CD4 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Additionally, the proinflammatory effect of IFN-α will not only promote T cell activation but will also stimulate more differentiation of CD4+ T cells to become effector cells, Tfh, Th1, and Th17, rather than iTregs further tipping the balance away from the immunosuppressive function of Tregs and loss of peripheral tolerance in SLE patients (Yan et al., 2008; Golding et al., 2010; Ambrosi et al., 2012).