The levels of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background: The involvement of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (CD4(+)CD25(+) T(Regs)) in allergic diseases was reported previously. However, it remains unclear whether CD4(+)CD25(+) T(Regs) are involved in allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Fresh whole blood from 20 patients with AR and 16 healthy donors was used to investigate the frequency of CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD4(+)CD25(hi) Treg cells using flow cytometry. In addition, serum total IgE (IU/mL) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Patients with AR had fewer CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells (2.80 ± 1.36% vs. 3.94 ± 0.97%, P < 0.01) and CD4(+)CD25(hi) T(Regs) (1.53 ± 0·62% vs. 2.00 ± 0.52%, P < 0.05) than control subjects. The number of CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD4(+)CD25(hi) T(Regs )was correlated negatively with total immunoglobulin E levels (r = –0.79, P < 0.01 and r = –0.61, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Deficient regulatory T cells might play a role in the development of AR.