Compared to controls, LN children had a higher frequency of effector IL-17 producing cells in PBMCs, added to enhanced activity of Stat3 in these cells. The mRNA expression of IL-17 and retinoic acid-related orphan receptors was also higher in LN children than in controls.Additionally, Th17 cells from children with LN exhibit enhanced migratory capacity through high Akt activity. This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and lobular neoplasia.