Specifically, increased expression of IFN-regulated genes has been observed in epidermis and dermis of cutaneous lesions33,35 and the IFN signature has been demonstrated to correlate with cutaneous disease activity, suggesting a key role of IFN signalling in SLE skin pathology.34,36 However, the exact interplay between different IFNs, keratinocytes and pDCs needs further exploration. The gene discussed is IFNA1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.