IFNG and systemic lupus erythematosus: Consistent with the previous report showing that EGR2 positively regulate Th1 differentiation and IFNγ production in effector T cells [12], our in vitro study demonstrated a positive role of EGR2 in the regulation of IFNγ production in activated lupus CD4+ T cells and Th1 differentiation of both MRL-lpr lupus and control MRL naïve CD4+ T cells (Figs. 7 and 8).