RNPC3 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Indeed, activation of TLR-7 by anti-Smith (Sm)/ribonucleoprotein (RNP) autoantibodies in neutrophils from healthy donors previously exposed to IFN-α, or from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), causes the extrusion of oxidized mitochondrial nucleoids into the extracellular space, instead of being directed to the lysosomes (43).