The functions of these TFs, such as PAX5, XBP1, CEBPB, NF-κb1, EBF1, MEF2C, and POU2AF1 were strongly associated with B cell activation and proliferation (Supplementary Figure 2D) (37–41), further providing more evidence that BAFF blockade suppresses B cells proliferation in SLE. This evidence concerns the gene POU2AF1 and systemic lupus erythematosus.