EBV+ atMBCs were further distinguished by elevated expression of genes encoding receptors for key cytokines (IL21R, IFNGR1) and innate stimuli (TLR7 and its downstream signaling adapter gene MYD88) known to mediate atMBC differentiation, including pathogenic responses in numerous human autoimmune diseases (Figure 6B) (100, 104, 149). This evidence concerns the gene IL21R and autoimmune disease.