In addition, a high level of IL-15 and IL15-expressing macrophage infiltration was detected in the periglomerular and intraglomerular tissues of LN patients, which enhanced the innate features, cytokine secretion and migratory capability of CD4 + CD28− T cells, and finally exerted direct TCR-independent cytotoxicity on glomerular endothelial cells in an IL-15-dependent manner in vitro. This evidence concerns the gene CD28 and lobular neoplasia.