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) T-Reg 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(+) T-Reg 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.