In this study, our group investigated the hypothesis that gut microbiota is able to enhance the predisposition to SLE onset and T cell maturation in intestinal secondary lymphoid tissues, triggering a loss of endothelial function and hypertension in a lupus model induced by epicutaneous application of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ). The gene discussed is TLR7; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.