The STAT4 variant has previously been associated with a more severe disease phenotype including ischaemic stroke and increased SDI scores.17–21 Patients with SLE carrying this risk variant display an augmented IFN-γ production in T cells and elevated STAT1 expression in B cells.39 40 Because of the entailed potential therapeutic opportunity, we believe our confirmation of the association of this variant with organ damage is valuable. This evidence concerns the gene STAT4 and systemic lupus erythematosus.