Despite similar absolute numbers of CD3+ cells, flowcytometric analysis with the markers CD4, CD25, FoxP3 and CD127, demonstrated that both CD4+CD25+ (12.4±1.0 vs. 27.5±2.8, P<0.0001) and CD25+FoxP3+CD127- (2.9±0.5 vs. 17.3±1.9, P<0.0001) cells, (further designated as Tregs) are markedly increased in the circulation of SSc patients compared to controls (Figure 1a, b). The gene discussed is IL7R; the disease is systemic sclerosis.