title: The role of regulatory T cells in immune dysfunction during sepsis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key to the maintenance of immunologic homeostasis and tolerance, little is known about Treg-mediated immunosuppression in the stage of sepsis. This article aimed to review the current literature on the role of Tregs in the pathophysiology of septic response, attempting to investigate the role of Tregs in immune dysfunction during sepsis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted in January 2014 using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed. Articles on the role of Tregs in immune dysfunction during sepsis were identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The identified articles indicated that Treg levels can be used for the assessment of the course of sepsis. The inhibition of Treg activity can promote the recovery of immune function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since the mechanism of Tregs is complex during the sepsis, more studies are needed.
authors: Emergency Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors: Chao
authors: C
authors: Cao
authors: Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors: Tao
authors: T
authors: Ma
authors: Emergency Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors: Yan-Fen
authors: YF
authors: Chai
authors: Emergency Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
authors: Song-Tao
authors: ST
authors: Shou
keywords: Immune dysfunction; Regulatory T cells; Sepsis