Detection and significance of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with vitiligo

Objectives To detect CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with vitiligo,and to evaluate the immunomodulator′s therapeutic effects.Methods 36 patients with vitiligo were selected,including 24 with active vitiligo and 12 with stationary vitiligo.The level of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry before and after treatment with the immunomodulator,and 20 healthy subjects were controls.Results CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in active vitiligo were significantly lower than in the normal controls(P0.05).There was no statistical difference between stationary vitiligo and the normal controls(P0.05).CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in active vitiligo increased after comprehensive treatment with the immunomodulator(P0.05),while there was no statistical difference in stationary vitiligo after treatment with the immunomodulator(P0.05).Conclusion CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells could control the autoimmune reaction by inhibiting auto-reactive T cells.The abnormal number of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood may cause imbalance of immunity.The polysaccharide nucleic acid fraction of bacillus calmette guerin(BCG-PSN) could modulate the cell immune function by regulating the level of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and has therapeutic effects.