Regulatory T cells in Crohn's disease following anti-TNF-α therapy

Background and Aim Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy is an effective therapy for Crohn's disease (CD). We investigated FoxP3(+) and CD127(-) regulatory T cells (Tregs) before and after administration of anti-TNF-alpha therapy in CD. Methods Eight patients with active CD who had received anti-TNF-alpha antibodies were enrolled. Treatment responses were followed by physical examination and Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) scoring before and 2 weeks after the initial administration of anti-TNF-alpha antibodies. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and 2 weeks after treatment. White blood cell count and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin were measured. FoxP3(+) expression and CD127(-) Tregs were measured by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of whole blood samples. Results Median values of CDAI decreased significantly after treatment. The proportion of FoxP3(+) Tregs increased significantly after treatment. There was a significant negative correlation between Delta CD127(-) Tregs and Delta lymphocyte. Conclusions Anti-TNF-alpha therapy would enhance Tregs, which may account for the mechanism underlying the positive effect of the anti-TNF-alpha treatment in CD patients.