No difference in % CD3+CD8+ T cells between SLE and HC. Decreased % CD8+ EM and CM in SLE vs. HC (p < 0.05). Increased % naïve CD8+ T cells in SLE vs. HC (p < 0.05). Reduction in perforin (p < 0.01) and granzyme B (p < 0.05) in SLE CD8+ T cells vs. HC.Reduced CD8+ T cell SLAMF7 expression in active SLE vs. HC (p < 0.001). The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.