OTX1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: This included 7 upregulated (CEACAM6, UCHL1, ARFGEF3, AMPH, SERPINB10, TACSTD2, and OTX1) and 5 downregulated (SORBS2, TRIM64B, SORCS3, DRAXIN, and PCDHGA10) DEGs in the severe SLE group compared to mild SLE group identified in Zhang’s study (Zhang et al., 2023), and two genes (STAT1 and STAT5) that showed elevated expressions in the aggravation of the SLE disease in studies of Goropevšek et al.