Objective To investigate the expression of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of primary Sjgren’s syndrome (pSS) patients and its clinical significance. Methods The expression of TRAF6 mRNA was determined by quantified reverse transcriptional PCR in the PBMCs of 23 pSS patients and 23 healthy controls. The correlation of TRAF6 mRNA level with the laboratory findings, including serum rheumatoid factor (RF), globulin, anti-SSA and anti-SSA antibody, were analyzed by Spearman test. Nine of the pSS patients were followed up and their TRAF6 mRNA expression was detected after glucocorticoid treatment for 1-2 months. Results The TRAF6 mRNA level in pSS patients was 2.77 times higher than that in the healthy controls(P<0.01). The TRAF6 mRNA level in pSS patients was positively correlated with serum RF (r=0.45, P=0.03) and globulin (r=0.43, P=0.04), but was not associated the anti-SSB and anti-SSA antibody. TRAF6 mRNA level was decreased by about 50% in the patients who were treated with glucocorticoids for 1-2 months (P<0.05). Conclusion TRAF6 in PBMCs is involved in the pathogenesis of pSS and it may be a potential biomarker for pSS.