We also reported increased frequencies of RBD+/S1+ IgM+ early plasmablasts (early-PB) (CD27+IgD-CD24midCD38+) in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (Supplementary Fig. 4E and F), previously shown to arise from extrafollicular responses [17–19]. The gene discussed is CD40LG; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.