In SLE patients, higher p53 levels correlated with their activity were detected in circulating mononuclear cells (MNCs) [22], and a positive correlation existed between nuclear p53 staining of apoptotic cells and glomerular activity indices in renal biopsied specimens [23], indicating an involvement of activated p53-dependent apoptosis in the disease flare-up. This evidence concerns the gene TP53 and systemic lupus erythematosus.