T regulatory cell phenotypes in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage from non‐asthmatic and asthmatic subjects

Abstract

Phenotypically different nTreg subsets are quantitatively and functionally different and are variably observed in asthma. The CD4(+) CD25(high) Foxp3(+) phenotype was the least frequent, but demonstrated the greatest suppression, and was significantly lower in PB of asthmatic subjects. Consequently, it is imperative that nTreg phenotypes be clearly defined and that the interpretation of their frequency and function be phenotype specific.