Role of regulatory T cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a gradually progressive disease, it might have a subordinate autoimmune pathogenesis. The CD4+CD25+FOXP3+T regulatory cells (Treg) have an important role in controlling immune and allergic reactions. Objective To determine if Treg is involved in COPD and its value in the predilection of COPD development. Patients and methods This case control study was conducted on 30 COPD patients and 20 age matched and sex matched healthy controls. Spirometry and flow cytometry were done. Results The Treg% was significantly lower in COPD than controls (P<0.05) CD4+ nonsignificantly differed between COPD patients and controls. Forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity ratio, forced expiratory volume in the first second and forced vital capacity were significantly decreased, while COPD duration and occupational and/or biomass exposure were significantly increased in the COPD subgroup with lower Treg frequencies. All of them are predictive factors for lower Treg frequencies. Patients with lower Treg frequencies have a 2.8 fold increased risk of COPD development (odds ratio=2.8, confidence interval 0.86 9.0) Conclusion Lower frequencies of Treg (autoimmunity) might be a risk factor for COPD development.