Abstract： Objective To detect the methylation status of p16 gene promoter in CD4~+ T cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SEE),and its significance in the pathogenesis of SLE.Methods The pl 6 gene promoter methylation in peripheral CD4~+ T cells was detected with the Taqman probe-based realtime PCR(Methylight)technology in 28 patients with SLE and 20 healthy human controls.Results The methylation rate of p16 gene promoter in peripheral CD4~+ T cells was higher in patients with SLE than that in the controls(35.7%VS 10%,x~2=4.11,P<0.05).There was no correlation between SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI)and the normalized index of methylation(NIM)of p16 gene promoter(r_s=-0.29,P>0.05).Conclusion The methylation status of p16 gene promoter is aberrant in CD4~+ T,:ells of SLE patients,suggesting that the hypermethylation of p16 gene plays a certain role in the pathogenesis of SLE.