Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) 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-α therapy in CD. METHODS: Eight patients with active CD who had received anti-TNF-α 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-α 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 ΔCD127(-) Tregs and Δlymphocyte. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF-α therapy would enhance Tregs, which may account for the mechanism underlying the positive effect of the anti-TNF-α treatment in CD patients.