In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease characterized by B cell hyperactivity, autoantibody production and immune complex deposition in vital organs. To explain the mechanisms responsible for immune dysregulation in SLE cytokines have received increasing attention. This review has discussed a number of cytokines which appear to be involved in lupus pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that disease activity and the main symptoms of SLE are associated with increasing serum levels of cytokines such as interleukin-(IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (THF-alpha). Constitutive expression and in vitro induction of specific cytokines are also aberrant in SLE. The presence of IL-1, IL-6 and IFN-gamma in involved kidneys suggests that they have local pathogenic effects. Moreover IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-1 modulate spontaneous IgG production by SLE mononuclear cells. During the next several years, the exact role of these cytokine in the pathogenesis of lupus become more fully elucidated.