Zhang M, Jie H, Wu Y, et al. - In this study, the mRNA level of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase (MLKL) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was ascertained and its relationship with clinical features and serological parameters in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were analyzed. Researchers applied real-time transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis to ascertain the expression of MLKL mRNA in PBMCs from 59 patients with SLE, 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. These outcomes imply that elevated MLKL mRNA level in the PBMCs of SLE patients is associated with renal involvement and disease activity, distinguishing a subgroup of individuals with SLE or lupus nephritis who may benefit from early diagnosis and therapies targeting MLKL.