This association was driven by ten genes (ESR1, CCR5, TIMD4, DTX1, BRCA2, KDM6A, PDGFB, MC1R, NR4A1, and IRS1; appendix 1 pp 9–10), and supports a role for these genes in sex specific SLE susceptibility. This evidence concerns the gene IRS1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.