甘草酸二铵对于HCV相关性B—NHLCD25-和CD25＋T细胞增殖影响研究

目的：本研究初步探究甘草酸二铵（Diammonium Glycyrrihizinate,DG）对HCV相关性B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤（B-cellnon-Hodgkin-Slymphoma,B-NHL）CD25-T细胞、CD25＋T细胞的免疫调控作用。方法：应用流式细胞分析仪检测HCV相关性B-NHLCD4＋CD25＋T细胞占CD4＋1r细胞的比例、CD25＋细胞占总PBMC比例,并与单纯HcV感染患者、健康人检测结果相对照。应用免疫磁珠分离法（MACS）分选获得CD25-和CD25＋细胞,将两者和未分选的外周血单个核细胞（peripheralblood mononuclear cell。PBMC）以CFSE标染孵育72小时后,应用流式细胞分析仪将APCCD3阳性细胞设定为门检测CD25T细胞、未分选T细胞、CD25＋T细胞的增殖情况,及甘草酸二铵干预后的CD25-T细胞、CD25＋T细胞增殖情况。结果：应用流式细胞分析仪检测健康人、单纯HCV感染者和HCV相关性B—NHL患者在CD4＋CD25＋占总CD4＋细胞比例和CD25＋占总细胞比例上均呈现逐步递增的关系（分别为33．94％±2．18％,57．95％±1．77％,70．24％±12．75％,P〈0．05;18．16％±2．23％,33．45％±1132％,54.69％±8．66％,P〈0．05）。CFSE标染后孵育72小时检测（MI＋M2）分裂相百分比呈现CD25-T细胞最高、未分选T细胞其次、CD2YT细胞最低的表现（分别为74．4％±1．2％,63．1％±5．4％,47．2％±5．9％,P〈0．05）。甘草酸二铵干预后CD25-T细胞较未干预CD25T细胞M1分裂相百分比增加（分别为57．7％±4．2％,46．5％±5．6％,P〈0．05）。甘草酸二铵干预后CD25＋T细胞较未干预cD25＋1r细胞M1分裂相百分比减少（分别为14．7％±1．3％,22．1％±4．1％,P〈0．05）。结论：HCV相关性B-NHLCIM＋CD25＋、CD25＋细胞百分比较单纯HCV感染者、健康人明显增加,提示存在T细胞免疫抑制,且抑制程度重于单纯HCV感染。去除CD25＋细胞后CD25T细胞增殖较未去除CD25＋的T细胞增殖活跃,说明HCV相关性B-NHL患者的CD25＋细胞能够抑制CD25-T细胞增殖。而DG干预后HCV相关性B-NHLCD25＋T细胞增殖M1分裂相减少,而CD25T细胞增殖M1分裂相增加,表明DG对HCV相关性B-NHL具有抑制CD25＋T细胞增殖而促进CD25-T细胞增殖的积极免疫调节作用。     

滤泡辅助性T 细胞在特发性血小板减少性紫癜患者的变化及其意义*

目的:研究滤泡辅助性T细胞(T follicular helper cells,Tfh)在免疫性血小板减少性紫癜(immune thrombocytopenic purpura,ITP)患者的表达并探讨其临床意义。方法:用流式细胞术检测20例健康人、25例ITP患者外周血CXCR5+CD4+T细胞占CD4+T细胞的比例。结果:与健康对照组相比,ITP患者外周血CXCR5+CD4+T细胞占CD4+T细胞的比例显著增高(P<0.05)。结论:Tfh在ITP患者外周血比例增高,为Tfh能否为ITP的免疫调节和干预提出新的方向提供了证据。     

慢性丙型肝炎患者CD4~+CD25~+Treg细胞对树突状细胞的作用

目的探讨慢性丙型肝炎(HCV)患者CD4+CD25+Treg细胞对外周血树突状细胞的作用。方法对35例HCV患者和35例健康对照各抽取外周血,采用密度梯度离心法分离外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),采用特异性免疫磁珠分选获得CD4+CD25+Treg细胞,并体外诱导培养获得树突状细胞(DCs);将CD4+CD25+Treg细胞与DC共培养5d后,采用流式细胞仪检测DC表面标志CD83、CD80、HLADR的表达,同时酶联免疫吸附法检测上清液中IL-10和TGF-β含量。结果与健康对照组相比,HCV患者CD83、CD80和HLA-DR的表达均显著下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);HCV组患者CD4+CD25+Treg分泌IL-10和TGF-β的水平均高于健康组(P0.01)。结论 HCV患者外周血Treg细胞能够抑制DC的成熟,细胞因子参与了免疫应答的调节。     

foxp3转染的CD4~+ CD25~- T细胞治疗急性肺损伤的研究

目的通过基因转染技术将foxp3基因导入CD4+CD25-T淋巴细胞,生成CD4+CD25-Foxp3+T细胞,通过输入急性肺损伤小鼠模型体内,促进炎症消退,为体外定向操纵调节T细胞生成和细胞过继治疗急性肺损伤奠定基础。方法采用RT-PCR法从小鼠胸腺来源cDNA文库中扩增获得foxp3 cDNA,亚克隆至构建pIRES2-EGFP质粒中,构建并筛选出重组质粒pmFoxp3-IRES2-EGFP;采用免疫磁珠法分离CD4+CD25-T淋巴细胞,穿孔法转染Foxp3基因至CD4+CD25-T淋巴细胞,流式细胞仪检测CD4+和EGFP共表达的细胞比例;将foxp3基因转染的小鼠CD4+CD25-T细胞通过尾静脉输注急性小鼠体内,通过ELISA法检测小鼠肺泡灌洗液中TNF-α以及IL-1β细胞因子的表达,通过肺组织病理研究肺部炎症的消退状况。结果成功构建双基因共表达重组质粒pmFoxp3-IRES2-EGFP;免疫磁珠法较高纯度分离CD4+CD25+、CD4+CD25-T淋巴细胞,电穿孔法成功将重组质粒pmFoxp3-IRES2-EGFP转染致CD4+CD25-T细胞,CD4+和EGFP共表达的细胞比例为35.5%;过继Foxp3基因转染的小鼠CD4+CD25-T细胞以及Treg均能抑制急性肺损伤小鼠肺泡灌洗液中TNF-α以及IL-1β炎性细胞因子的表达,促进炎症的消退。结论转染Foxp3基因的CD4+CD25-细胞同Treg(CD4+CD25-)细胞一样可以通过细胞过继治疗急性肺损伤。     

非霍奇金淋巴瘤患者外周血中CD4+CD25+ 调节性T 细胞 亚群变化初探

目的:检测非霍奇金淋巴瘤(non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,NHL)患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(CD4+CD25+regulatoryT cell,Treg)的改变,探讨Treg与NHL的相关性。方法:病例组(n=60)为本院收治的初诊NHL患者,对照组(n=60)为本院健康体检者,用流式细胞技术联合标记CD4、CD25检测对照组及病例组化疗前、化疗后的外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的分布特点。结果:(1)病例组化疗前外周血中CD4+细胞比例显著低于对照组(P<0.05),CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例显著高于对照组(P<0.05);(2)病例组化疗后,CD4+细胞比例明显高于化疗前(P<0.05),CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例明显低于化疗前(P<0.05);(3)病例组化疗后CD4+细胞比例与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05),而CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:非霍奇金淋巴瘤患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例升高,存在机体免疫抑制,化疗可降低CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞比例。     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者外周血CD4+CD25+CD127(Low/-)调节性T细胞的检测及临床意义

目的:研究CD4+CD25+CD127(Low/-)节性T细胞在慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)急性发作期外周血中的比例改变及其临床意义.方法:以25例COPD急性发作期患者外周血为研究组,20名正常人外周血作为对照组,采用三色直接荧光素标记法和多参数流式细胞仪检测外周血CD4+CD25+CD127(Low/-)调节性T细胞的比例,同时检测外周血C-反应蛋白(CRP)、血沉(ESR)、免疫球蛋白(Ig)等水平.结果:COPD急性发作期患者外周血CD4+CD25+CD127(Low/-)调节性T细胞占外周血CD4+淋巴细胞的比例明显低于健康对照组(P＜0.01).而COPD急性发作期患者外周血CRP、ESR、Ig等水平明显高于健康对照组(P＜0.05).COPD患者外周血调节T细胞下降与CRP和IgG升高成负相关.结论:COPD患者外周血CD4+CD25+CD127(Low/-)调节性T细胞在CD4+T淋巴细胞的比例明显减少,调节性T细胞等免疫调节因素可能在COPD的发病机制发挥重要作用.     

幽门螺杆菌感染者CD4~+ CD25~+调节性T细胞的检测及其相关性分析

目的检测幽门螺杆菌(Helicobacter pylori,H.pylori)感染阳性的胃部疾病患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Treg细胞)的百分含量及转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)的水平,探讨CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞在H.pylori感染中的免疫调节作用及意义。方法采用流式细胞术检测H.pylori感染的慢性浅表性胃炎、胃癌前病变和胃癌患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的含量、CD4+CD25+T细胞中表达FOXP3的细胞比例;并采用ELISA方法检测H.pylori感染者血清中TGF-β1的含量,无H.pylori感染的患者作为阴性对照。结果 H.pylori感染的患者外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的百分含量及TGF-β1的水平较不伴有H.pylori感染的患者显著升高(P<0.05);H.pylori感染的浅表性胃炎、胃癌前病变及胃癌患者外周血中CD4+CD25+T淋巴细胞的百分含量及CD4+CD25+T细胞中表达FOXP3的细胞比例随病变严重程度的进展逐渐升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);H.pylori感染的患者血清中TGF-β1水平也随病变严重程度的进展逐渐升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 H.pylori感染可增加CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的含量和TGF-β1的水平;随着病变严重程度的进展,CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的含量和TGF-β1的水平逐渐升高,CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞百分含量和TGF-β1水平可作为临床判断病情进展的指标。     

TGF-β/Smad信号通路在艾滋病患者CD8+T细胞功能损害中的作用

探讨TGF-β/Smad信号通路在艾滋病患者CD8+T细胞功能损害中的作用。在HIV感染者(CD4+T细胞计数≥200个/μL)和艾滋病病人(CD4+T细胞计数200个/μL)中各抽取30例,另以30例健康成人为对照。取研究对象的外周静脉血,流式细胞术检测CD8+T细胞CD28分子和磷酸化Smad2/3蛋白(p-Smad2/3),酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)检测血浆中TGF-β1、IFN-γ和TNF-α。健康人、HIV感染者和AIDS病人CD8+CD28+双阳性细胞占CD8+T细胞的比例分别为47.75%、47.40%和36.20%(中位数),AIDS病人低于正常人和HIV感染者(P0.05);p-Smad2/3阳性CD8+T细胞占CD8+T细胞的比例分别为79.15%、55.60%和60.60%(中位数),HIV感染者和AIDS病人低于健康人(P0.05);血浆TNF-α分别为(147.92±1.47)pg/mL、(60.04±1.78)pg/mL和(54.43±2.03)pg/mL,HIV感染者和AIDS病人低于健康人(P0.05);血浆TGF-β1和IFN-γ的组间差异无统计学意义。TGF-β/Smad信号通路可能参与了艾滋病患者CD8+T细胞的异常激活与功能损害。     

SLE带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+FoxP3~+调节性T细胞的表达及相关性研究

目的:检测系统性红斑狼疮(systemic lupus erythematosus,SLE)合并带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+调节性T细胞的表达及相关性,探讨其在SLE合并带状疱疹发病中的临床意义。方法:采用流式细胞术检测30例SLE患者、30例SLE合并带状疱疹患者及30例健康对照者外周血中CD4~+/CD8~+T淋巴细胞亚群表面CD28的表达及CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞的表达水平,并分析SLE合并带状疱疹患者外周血CD4~+CD28~+和CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+调节性T细胞表达的相关性。结果:SLE合并带状疱疹组患者急性期外周血CD4~+T淋巴细胞比率、绝对计数显著降低,CD4~+、CD8~+T淋巴细胞表面的CD28表达下调,CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞水平显著高于SLE组及健康对照组,SLE合并带状疱疹组患者外周血CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg水平与CD4~+CD28~+水平成负相关(P均0.05)。结论:SLE合并带状疱疹患者CD4~+、CD8~+T细胞活化异常,CD4~+CD25~+Fox P3~+Treg细胞可能参与抑制了T细胞的活化。     

嗜血细胞综合征患儿外周血CD_4~+CD_(25)~+调节性T细胞变化及临床意义

目的观察嗜血细胞综合征(hemophagocytic syndrome,HPS)患儿外周血中调节性T细胞(RegulatoryTcells,Treg细胞)的变化,探讨其在HPS发病中的作用及临床意义。方法应用流式细胞仪检测17例初诊HPS患者(初诊组)、11例经诱导治疗后临床缓解者(缓解组)及20例健康人群(对照组)外周血中CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞。结果与对照组相比较,HPS患者初诊组及缓解组外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞均升高(P0.05)。与初诊组相比较,缓解组CD4+CD25+Treg细胞降低(P0.05),但仍高于正常对照组(P0.05)。结论CD4+CD25+Treg细胞增多可能是HPS患者免疫功能受抑的重要原因之一,其变化对于HPS的预后判断有一定的意义。     

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ 调节性T 细胞与黑龙江省HIV/AIDS 患者病情 相关性的研究

目的:比较黑龙江省HIV/AIDS患者与健康对照者(healthy controls,HCs)外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞数量、免疫抑制功能的变化,探讨CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞在HIV/AIDS感染过程中的作用。方法:采用流式细胞仪检测21例HIV/AIDS患者及20例健康对照组的外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞数量的百分比及绝对数量;采用共同培养方法检测HIV/AIDS患者外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞免疫抑制功能的变化;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-FQ-PCR)检测HIV/AIDS患者外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞中FoxP3mRNA的表达。结果:黑龙江省HIV/AIDS患者外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞比率明显高于HCs(P<0.01),而CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞的绝对计数显著下降,且与CD4+T细胞绝对计数成反比;混合淋巴细胞共同培养结果显示,HIV/AIDS患者外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞的抑制功能无明显变化;HIV/AIDS患者外周血CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞的FoxP3 mRNA相对表达量无显著变化。结论:黑龙江省HIV/AIDS患者CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节性T细胞的数量变化与病情相关。     

Follicular lymphoma intratumoral CD4+CD25+GITR+ regulatory T cells potently suppress CD3/CD28-costimulated autologous and allogeneic CD8+CD25- and CD4+CD25- T cells

Regulatory T cells (T(R)) play a critical role in the inhibition of self-reactive immune responses and as such have been implicated in the suppression of tumor-reactive effector T cells. In this study, we demonstrate that follicular lymphoma (FL)-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells are hyporesponsive to CD3/CD28 costimulation. We further identify a population of FL-infiltrating CD4+CD25+GITR+ T(R) that are significantly overrepresented within FL nodes (FLN) compared with that seen in normal (nonmalignant, nonlymphoid hyperplastic) or reactive (nonmalignant, lymphoid hyperplastic) nodes. These T(R) actively suppress both the proliferation of autologous nodal CD8+CD25- and CD4+CD25- T cells, as well as cytokine production (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2), after CD3/CD28 costimulation. Removal of these cells in vitro by CD25+ magnetic bead depletion restores both the proliferation and cytokine production of the remaining T cells, demonstrating that FLN T cell hyporesponsiveness is reversible. In addition to suppressing autologous nodal T cells, these T(R) are also capable of suppressing the proliferation of allogeneic CD8+CD25- and CD4+CD25- T cells from normal lymph nodes as well as normal donor PBL, regardless of very robust stimulation of the target cells with plate-bound anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 Abs. The allogeneic suppression is not reciprocal, as equivalent numbers of CD25+FOXP3+ cells derived from either normal lymph nodes or PBL are not capable of suppressing allogeneic CD8+CD25- and CD4+CD25- T cells, suggesting that FLN T(R) are more suppressive than those derived from nonmalignant sources. Lastly, we demonstrate that inhibition of TGF-beta signaling partially restores FLN T cell proliferation suggesting a mechanistic role for TGF-beta in FLN T(R)-mediated suppression.     

Circulating CD4+CD25+ T regulatory and natural killer T cells in patients with myasthenia gravis: a flow cytometry study

The number of circulating CD4+ T cells constitutively expressing CD25 (T regulatory, Treg) and natural killer T (NK T) cells, the two major lymphocyte populations that help to maintain immune homeostasis, was studied in 22 unselected myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, 16 healthy subjects and 24 patients with cancer, the latter as a disease model of a relative immune suppression status. Treg cells were assessed according to their intermediate or high level of expression of CD25, i.e., CD25int and CD25bright, and to the expression of HLA-DR, CD62L, CD45RO and CD152. There were no differences in the number of NK T cells and CD4+CD25bright cells among the three series of individuals. MG patients and healthy subjects had also similar numbers of CD4+CD25int cells. However, the whole CD4+ cell compartment in MG patients was in an activated status, as indicated by the higher level of expression of CD152. By contrast, and consistent with a relative immune suppression status, cancer patients had higher numbers of CD4+CD25int cells and larger proportions of HLA-DR expressing CD4+CD25int and CD4+CD25bright cells. Immunomagnetically purified CD4+CD25+ cells from MG, healthy subjects and cancer patients were anergic and suppressed the proliferative response of other T cells.     

CD18 is required for optimal development and function of CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cells inhibit immunopathology and autoimmune disease in vivo. CD4+CD25+ Treg cells' capacity to inhibit conventional T cells in vitro is dependent upon cell-cell contact; however, the cell surface molecules mediating this cell:cell contact have not yet been identified. LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) is an adhesion molecule that plays an established role in T cell-mediated cell contact and in T cell activation. Although expressed at high levels on murine CD4+CD25+ Treg cells, the role of LFA-1 in these cells has not been defined previously. We hypothesized that LFA-1 may play a role in murine CD4+CD25+ Treg function. To evaluate this, we analyzed LFA-1-deficient (CD18-/-) CD4+CD25+ T cells. We show that CD18-/- mice demonstrate a propensity to autoimmunity. Absence of CD18 led to diminished CD4+CD25+ T cell numbers and affected both thymic and peripheral development of these cells. LFA-1-deficient CD4+CD25+ T cells were deficient in mediating suppression in vitro and in mediating protection from colitis induced by the transfer of CD4+CD25- T cells into lymphopenic hosts. Therefore, we define a crucial role for CD18 in optimal CD4+CD25+ Treg development and function.     

口服卡介菌诱导免疫耐受的CD4+CD25+调节性T 细胞机制研究

目的:研究口服卡介菌诱导免疫耐受对CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的影响。方法:采用口服MPB制备EAE大鼠模型,随机分为BCG组(0.5mg/kg)和EAE模型组(PBS),每组各15只,连续经口灌服给药14d,同时选取15只健康大鼠作为对照组。分别于免疫后15d、27d流式细胞术检测外周血、胸腺及脾脏中CD4+CD25+T淋巴细胞百分率,ELISA检测血清IL-6、TGF-β、IgE、IgG含量。结果:与EAE模型组相比,免疫后BCG组大鼠外周血、胸腺及脾脏中CD4+CD25+T淋巴细胞百分率增加,血清IL-6、TGF-β含量上升,血清IgE、IgG抗体水平下降。结论:口服BCG通过上调淋巴器官中CD4+CD25+T淋巴细胞比例,抑制效应性T细胞活性,发挥免疫耐受作用。     

Influence of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells on low/high-avidity CD4+ T cells following peptide vaccination

We have recently reported that NY-ESO-1-specific naive CD4+ T cell precursors exist in most individuals but are suppressed by CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), while memory CD4+ T cell effectors against NY-ESO-1 are found only in cancer patients with spontaneous Ab responses to NY-ESO-1. In this study, we have analyzed mechanisms of CD4+ T cell induction following peptide vaccination in relation to susceptibility to Tregs. Specific HLA-DP4-restricted CD4+ T cell responses were elicited after vaccination with NY-ESO-1(157-170) peptide (emulsified in IFA) in patients with NY-ESO-1-expressing epithelial ovarian cancer. These vaccine-induced CD4+ T cells were detectable from effector/memory populations without requirement for in vitro CD4+CD25+ T cell depletion. However, they were only able to recognize NY-ESO-1(157-170) peptide but not naturally processed NY-ESO-1 protein and had much lower avidity compared with NY-ESO-1-specific pre-existing naive CD4+CD25- T cell precursors or spontaneously induced CD4+ T cell effectors of cancer patients with NY-ESO-1 Ab. We propose that vaccination with NY-ESO-1(157-170) peptide recruits low-avidity T cells with low sensitivity to Tregs and fails to modulate the suppressive effect of Tregs on high-avidity NY-ESO-1-specific T cell precursors.     

中药联合化疗对ALL患者CD4、CD25细胞调节及sE-cad的影响

目的:研究中药联合化疗方案对急性淋巴细胞白血病(Acute lymphocytic leukemia,ALL)患者CD4+、CD25+细胞调节的影响、血清s E-cad的影响以及临床意义。方法:选取我院血液科收治的急性淋巴细胞白血病患者60例,随机分为两组,其中对照组30例给予常规化疗方案治疗,中药组30例在常规化疗方案的基础上加用中药辅助治疗。对比治疗前后患者血常规、CD4+、CD25+细胞及血清s E-cad的改变。结果:1治疗后两组患者CD4+、CD25+T细胞较治疗前均显著下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),与对照组相比,中药组CD4+、CD25+T细胞下降明显,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);2治疗后两组患者血清s E-cad均改善,且中药组(55.58±10.47)较对照组(67.27±11.32)明显下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);3两组有效率比较重,中药组总有效率(86.67%)明显优于对照组(66.67%),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:中药联合化疗治疗急性淋巴细胞白血病CD4+、CD25+T细胞调节及血清s E-cad的改变明显,对临床具有指导意义。     

CD13+CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cells exhibit higher suppressive function and increase with tumor stage in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play crucial roles in suppressing anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients, and correlate with clinical outcomes. We identified an important subpopulation, CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells, among CD4+CD25hiTreg cells in the peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from patients with NSCLC (n=72) or from healthy donors (n=30). Flow cytometric analyses were performed to study the expression of cell-surface or intracellular markers on the CD4+CD25hiTreg cells. The immune suppressive function of CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells was evaluated by co-culturing with CD4+CD25-T cells that were activated by PHA. Our data showed that, compared with CD4+CD25Low/-T cells, CD13 expression was enriched on CD4+CD25hiTreg cells. The CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells also expressed higher levels of Foxp3, CTLA-4, membrane-bound transforming growth factor β1 (mTGF-β1) and B7-H1, and are more suppressive to CD25 expression and proliferation of CD4+CD25-T cells. Additionally, we showed that the expression of Foxp3, CTLA-4, B7-H1, mTGF-β1 and the secretion of TGF-β1 and IL-10 on CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells was significantly suppressed by anti-CD13 mAb (WM15), and the ability of these cells to suppress CD25 expression and proliferation of CD4+CD25-T cells was inhibited by WM15 as well. Interestingly, the percentage of CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells among the CD4+CD25hiTreg population increased significantly and correlated with pathological stage in NSCLC: healthy donor (9.84%±2.23%) < stage I (21.64%±2.78%) < stage II (31.86%±3.01%) < stage III (45.64%±6.12%) < stage IV (58.78%±12.89%). Moreover, the percentage of CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells decreased dramatically after surgical removal of tumors. CD13 is a new surface molecule for identifying a CD4+CD25hiTreg cell subpopulation with higher suppressive ability. The percentage of CD13+CD4+CD25hiTreg cells among the CD4+CD25hiTreg cell population correlated with the pathological stage in NSCLC and tumor burden. CD13 represents a potential target to suppress Treg cells in anti-tumor therapy.