BTK and systemic lupus erythematosus: Endogenous nucleic acid combined with autoantibodies in the form of immune complexes (ICs) has the potential to drive the production of IFN-α in plasmacytoid dendritic cells which is pivotal in the pathogenesis of SLE.206 Besides, Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) pathway have been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis of SLE.207,208 The inflammatory environment promotes adaptive immune response, and APCs dominated by DC can present autoantigens to T cells.