In addition, we have identified IL-18 as a uniquely elevated cytokine in DM lesions that in combination with LCE2D, LCE1B, KRT80, and TPM4 expression cleanly distinguishes DM from CLE lesions, indicating this DM biomarker panel may be diagnostically useful, especially in patients with skin lesions who have not yet developed muscle disease. This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and dermatomyositis.