Similarly, the numbers of TNF-α+γ9+δT cells, TNF-α+CD4-CD8- γ9+δT cells and IL17+CD4-CD8- γ9+δT cells were significantly lower in SLE patients (0 week, prior to treatment) compared to healthy controls (Fig 3B, 3D and 3E). This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and systemic lupus erythematosus.