CD4 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Activation of mTOR signaling has been observed in SLE patients,[16] and this pathway may contribute to various pathogenesis mechanisms of SLE, including induction of interleukin (IL)-4 production and necrotic death of double-negative T cells,[26] increasing interferon α (IFNα) production,[27] promotion of BAFF-stimulated cell proliferation and survival,[28] promotion of Th17 cell differentiation,[29] and inhibition of CD4+ T cell differentiation into Treg cells.[30]