A proportion of patients with SLE display raised serum levels of IL-17, elevated numbers of circulating IL-17-producing T cells and increased IL-17 production by lymphocytes, suggesting dysregulation of T regulatory cells.33 Our findings strengthen the recent suggestions that IL-17 inhibition could be a therapeutic option in a subset of patients with SLE.34 Conversely, low-dose IL-2 treatment in SLE to stimulate T regulatory cells has recently shown promising results.35 The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.