Cytokine (CK) is a low molecular weight soluble protein produced by a variety of cells induced by immunogen, mitogen or other stimulants. CK is capable of transmitting information between cells and having functions of immune regulation and effect. At present, common detection methods for cytokines include bioactivity detection, immunological detection and molecular biology method. Cytokines are involved in the occurrence and development of numerous autoimmune diseases, which can not only be used as an important biomarker of diseases, but also for the differential diagnosis of different autoimmune diseases, which is an important target for the clinical process monitoring and prognosis of diseases. In addition, antibodies and small molecule inhibitors targeting cytokines are gradually applied to the clinic, which also provides a safer and more effective treatment strategy for autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the application value of cytokines in autoimmune diseases.