Other small studies showed that patients with incomplete SLE or new-onset, mild SLE treated with HCQ had lower levels of IFN-inducible genes, serum BLyS levels (also known as B cell–activating factor or BAFF), anti-C1q antibodies, IL-9, and better self-reported health status scores (86, 211). Here, IL9 is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.