Phenotypes and clinical significance of circulating CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)

Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in maintaining immunological tolerance to self and foreign antigens. T cell receptors (TCR) reflect the composition and function of T cells. It is not universally agreed that there is a relationship between CD4+CD25+ Treg frequency and the severity of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The repertoire of TCR beta chain variable (TCRBV) regions of peripheral Tregs in ACLF patients is not well understood.