Association between CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells and atopy in children.

Background: There is evidence that CD4(+)CD25(high) T-regulatory cells are important for establishing tolerance to allergens, but information in children is limited.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that greater numbers and function of CD4(+)CD25(high) T cells are associated with a reduced risk of childhood allergies and wheezing.

Methods: A cohort of 151 six-year-old children from atopic families was analyzed for peripheral blood CD4(+)CD25(high) and CD4(+)CD25(int) T cells by flow cytometry and for clinical and immunologic correlates of atopy.