This previously reported heightened alpha-2,6 sialylation of SLE T-cells compared to HC T-cells upon activation was further confirmed by a significant increase in the mRNA ratios of ST6 beta-galactoseamide alpha-2,6-sialyltranferase 1 and neuraminidase 1 (ST6GAL1/NEU1) in activated SLE T-cells responsible for adding and removal of sialic acids on glycans. This evidence concerns the gene CD82 and systemic lupus erythematosus.