AIM2 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Although Il6 expression was increased in pristane-injected Cgas-/- and WT mice, Cgas-/- mice showed significantly higher Il6 expression than WT mice (Figure 5T). Since the appearance of AIM 2 correlates with lupus severity (26), the increase of Aim2, Casp1, and Casp11 expression suggested the possibility of inflammasome activation causing pathology of the lungs.