CD8A and systemic lupus erythematosus: In SLE patients, it has been shown that EBV-specific CD8+ T cells are diminished and less cytotoxic.193,194 Decreased CD8+ T-cell activity against EBV-infected B cells has been suggested to account for the accumulation of EBV-infected B cells in MS.195 RA patients displayed decreased percentages of IFNγ-producing EBV-specific CD8+ T cells.196 The abovementioned findings link defective control of EBV with autoimmunity.