Likewise, no IFN-γ production by lupus NK cells was observed in response to nucleosomes and even in response to the TLR9 agonist (Figure 7G), especially when compared to IFN-γ production by NK cells from healthy individuals (Figure 7E), confirming exhaustion of NK cells from SLE patients probably as a result of long-term in vivo activation in this chronic disease. The gene discussed is TLR9; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.