Objective To study changes in T lymphocyte subsets of features and cytokine interleukin hormone (IL)-6,IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the clinical significance. Methods Peripheral blood T cell subsets and serum IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α level were detected in admitted 80 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and a control group of 30 healthy subjects.Analysis and comparison of the differences,and correlation with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEVI) were made.Results In COPD group, total T cells (CD3⁺), Th cells, Th / Ts ratio, natural killer (NK) cells were lower than those in control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). COPD group at time of admission had significantly higher serum IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α levels , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); there were negative correlation between IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and FEV1 (r=-0.74,-0.69,-0.76, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion T lymphocyte subsets and cytokine are jointly involved in the inflammatory reaction in COPD,these changes play an important role in the development of COPD process,and can be used as an important indicator for monitoring of the disease.