Interestingly, total and effector memory CD8+ T-cells were significantly increased in 2 uniquely clustered patient groups that had a more active disease trajectory over 5-years of follow-up (increased average SLE Disease Activity Index, SLEDAI and decreased number of visits in Lupus Low Disease Activity State, LLDAS) and a higher prevalence of lupus nephritis (30). This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and lupus nephritis.