IKZF1 and Autoimmunity: This points towards a double-faceted function of Ikaros in the development of autoimmunity: on one hand, Ikaros can suppress B cell auto-reactivity, thus ‘protecting’ against autoimmunity; on the other hand, it is also essential for the activation and differentiation of B cells, as confirmed by the observation that Ikaros-deficient mice lack circulating plasma cells.