Earlier studies have reported an association between the T allele of the rs7574865 variant and increased STAT4 expression (mRNA and total protein levels) [39], Similarly, Hagberg et al. demonstrated increased phosphorylated STAT4 and IFN-γ in remission SLE patients following in vitro stimulation of PBMCs with phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/IL-12 [41]. This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and systemic lupus erythematosus.