Relationship between CD4+/CD8+ T Cell Ratio and T Cell Activation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

We investigated the relationship between the ratio of CD4⁺ to CD8⁺ T cells (CD4/CD8 ratio) and T cell activation, indicated by human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We found that the ratio was decreased in SLE patients and that this was significantly related to expression of HLA-DR by CD8⁺ (but not CD4⁺) T cells. These findings may assist in understanding the pathogenesis of SLE. In some SLE patients, the CD4/CD8 ratio and HLA-DR expression may be good indicators of therapeutic efficacy.