Abstract

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.

German version published in Allergologie, Vol. 39, No. 3/2016, p. 109-115

Author Details

Authors

• Y. Shaoqing¹
• C. Yinjian²
• Y. Zhiqiang³
• Z. Ruxin⁴
• C. Na¹
• G. Rongming¹

Departments

• ¹ Department of Otolaryngology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai,
• ² Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan General Hospital of PLA, Shandong,
• ³ Department of Otolaryngology, Xuzhou
• ⁹ 
• ⁷ th Hospital of PLA, Jiangsu,
• ⁴ Department of Otolaryngology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Address

Yu Shaoqing
Department of Otolaryngology
Tongji Hospital
389 Xincun road, Putuo District
Shanghai city 200065, China
Email: [email protected]

Citation