The results of this study and previous studies suggest that activated CD8+ T cells with an effector function may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE through the following two processes: (1) activated CD8+ T cells directly damage organs (such as renal tissues) through the production of granzyme B and other mediators10, 12; and (2) they enhance the induction of differentiation (increased serum plasmocytes) and production of autoantibodies (increased anti-dsDNA antibody titre) in B cells, owing to IFN-γ production or release of autoantigens from damaged cells.28 Here, CD8A is linked to systemic lupus erythematosus.