The decreased frequency of CD4+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD8+Foxp3+ Tregs in the intestine of neonatal rats with NEC combined with the evidence of increased local proinflammatory cytokines in this model [16], gives a clearer picture in which severe inflammation persists without downregulation and eventually leads to severe outcomes including surgery in many cases. Here, CD8A is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.