Lupus erythematosus (LE) includes a broad spectrum of diseases from a 
cutaneous-limited type to a systemic type. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is 
a systemic autoimmune disease which affects multiple organs. Cutaneous lupus 
erythematosus (CLE) includes skin symptoms seen in SLE and cutaneous-limited LE. 
Although immune abnormalities, as well as heritable, hormonal and environmental 
factors, are involved in the pathology of LE, the actual pathogenesis is still 
unclear. Recently, the involvement of various cytokines has been shown in the 
pathogenesis of LE. Moreover, some trials with biological agents targeted 
specific cytokines are also ongoing for SLE. In this article, we review the 
contributions of major cytokines such as interferon, tumor necrosis factor-α and 
interleukin-18 to LE, especially SLE and CLE.