Autophagosomes of CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells were detected using transmission electron microscopy, autophagy-related proteins and genes were detected using western blotting or RT-qPCR.<h4>Results</h4>The study demonstrated that the peripheral blood CD4<sup>+</sup> T cells decreased in pSS patients, and negatively correlated with disease activity. Here, CD4 is linked to peeling skin syndrome.