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.DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted in January 2014 using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Pub Med. 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.CONCLUSION: Since the mechanism of Tregs is complex during the sepsis, more studies are needed. 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 aims 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. DATA SOURCES: A literature search conducted in January 2014 using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Pub Med. Articles on the role of Tregs in immune dysfunction during sepsis were 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. CONCLUSION: Since the mechanism of Tregs is complex during the sepsis, more studies are needed.