ESR1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: 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).