No difference in % of CD3+CD8+ T cells in SLE vs. HC. Increased % HLA-DR+, perforin+ and granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells in active SLE vs. inactive SLE (p = 0.02, p < 10−6, p < 10−6, respectively) and HC (p < 10−6).Decreased % naïve CD8+ T cells in active SLE vs. inactive SLE (p < 10−6).Increased % TEMRA and EM CD8+ T cells in active SLE vs. HC and inactive SLE (p < 10−6). This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and systemic lupus erythematosus.