A new pathway for memory B-cell activation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Multiple amplification pathways (shown in gray) are activated in SLE. Doreau et al.3 describe a novel NF-κB-dependent pathway (shown in blue) by which circulating cytokines released from inflamed organs induce differentiation of memory B cells to plasma cells thus perpetuating the autoimmune response. IFN-α, interferon-α; IL, interleukin; mDC, myeloid dendritic cell; pDCs, plasmacytoid dendritic cells; TLRs, toll-like receptors.