Metformin was also able to reduce cytokine-induced immune response through the inhibition of pathways such as the systemic lupus erythematosus in T cell signaling pathway, PKCθ signaling in T lymphocytes, role of NFAT in regulation of the immune response, iCOS-iCOSL signaling in T helper cells, and acute phase response signaling. The gene discussed is ICOS; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.