Several evidences suggest that DN T cells, IL23 and IL6 play a role in the
pathogenesis of SLE. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of DN T cells in
SLE patients and the relation to their activity also to assess the possible role of IL6 and IL23 on DN T cells. Thirty patients with SLE and sixteen healthy blood donorfemales were enrolled. There was a significant increase in DN T cells in patients than controls (P=0.001). These cells had a significant positive correlation with SLEDAI (r= 0.486, P= 0.006). DN T cells from SLE patient samples were expanded when stimulated in vitro with RhIL6 or RhIL23 in patients than controls. Furthermore, anti ds-DNA level was found to be increased in supernatant of PBMCs when stimulated by these cytokines in different concentrations. Our findings suggest that IL6 and IL23 may play role in SLE pathogenesis through their effect on DN T cells and anti ds-DNA.