Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation. Reliable biomarkers for predicting disease reactivation are lacking. This study aimed to investigate serum cytokines and cytotoxic molecules in both the inactive (iSLE) and active (aSLE) phases to identify potential predictors of disease activity. Methods: Fifty-five SLE patients were classified as having iSLE (n = 36) or aSLE (n = 19) on the basis of clinical parameters and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K). Serum levels of cytokines, cytotoxic molecules, and CD8⁺ cells were analyzed through flow cytometry and principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, seventeen healthy donors (HDs) served as a control group. Results: Serum perforin (median: 2219 pg/mL; p = 0.0020) and granulysin (median: 1347 pg/mL; p = 0.010) levels were significantly higher in patients with aSLE than in patients with iSLE. In contrast, sFas levels were elevated in both SLE groups compared with those in the HD group. Moreover, increased perforin and granulysin levels were correlated with increased SLEDAI-2K scores, and the proportion of cytotoxic cells (CD8⁺granzyme-B⁺perforin⁺ cells) was correlated with disease activity. Conclusions: The increased levels of cytotoxic molecules and the high CD8⁺ cell proportions suggest that integrating these parameters with traditional biomarkers could enhance disease monitoring and management.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and body systems. To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of the Lupus-IMMS-Mexico (LUPUS-IMMex) patient cohort from a tertiary-level center. Observational descriptive study of 160 patients with diagnosis of SLE belonging to the aforementioned cohort. Various variables were analyzed at the time of diagnosis. For quantitative variables, normality tests were applied, followed by measures of central tendency and dispersion according to their distribution. For categorical variables, frequencies and percentages were calculated. 81.87% of the patients were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 28 years. 18.12% had a family history of SLE, and concurrently with SLE, 32.50% had hypertension, and 11.25% had antiphospholipid syndrome. The most common clinical manifestation was joint involvement (68.12%), renal (49.37%) and hematological (43.75%) manifestations. SLE affects millions globally. Lack of awareness leads to delayed diagnoses, suboptimal management, and diminished quality of life. After analyzing 160 patients with SLE, their clinical, socioeconomic, and therapeutic characteristics are largely like other cohorts, with differences attributable to ethnic and geographical influences. Informing patients about SLE and providing reliable resources are essential for self-care. Awareness promotes research, therapies, and enhances medical care and the lives of patients globally.