Moreover, the SSc-PBC risk alleles at the CD40 locus colocalized in trans to reduced BAFF levels (PP4 = 99%) and increased levels of CD40L (PP4 = 99%), FCER2 (PP4 = 99%), CD22 (PP4 = 99%), TRAF2 (PP4 = 97%), FCLR1 (PP4 = 99%), and TCL1A (PP4 = 99%). This evidence concerns the gene CD40LG and systemic sclerosis.