In univariate analysis, altered proportions of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were found between patients with active SLE and those with inactive SLE; the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4−CD8− T cells, CD4+CD8+ T cells, Tregs, NK cells, MyDCs, pDCs, basophils and ILCs were altered in patients with active SLE compared with those in healthy controls; and the proportions of Tregs, NK cells, MyDCs, pDCs, basophils and ILCs were altered in patients with inactive SLE compared with those in healthy controls. Here, CD8A is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.