STAT1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Considering the phenotypic similarities of interferonopathies such as SLE and the fact that treatment with interferon α results in endocrinopathy (such as thyroiditis), enhanced cytokine and interferon responses provide a plausible pathomechanism accounting for autoimmunity in the context of STAT1 gain of function.152,153 The recently identified enhanced expression of interferon signature genes in patients with STAT1 gain-of-function mutations154 is in accordance with the aforementioned hypothesis.