Consistent with this interpretation, we previously reported that in lupus prone (NZB x NZW)F1 females, B cell specific deletion of ERα, which does not perturb the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or alter serum levels of estrogens or androgens, nevertheless attenuates development of autoatibodies, immune cell activation, and lupus nephritis (13). This evidence concerns the gene ESR1 and lupus nephritis.