BACKGROUND: CD58 is a glycoprotein, belongs to immune protein superfamily members, widely expresses in various human immunocytes and erythrocytes, and is the key immune substance of regulating T cell immune function by erythrocytes.OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of moxibustion on the acupoints of Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) on erythrocyte CD58 expression in healthy people.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A randomized, controlled experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, Shanxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March to December 2008.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 40 healthy undergraduates, 20 males and 20 females, aged mean 21.08 years, admitted in Shanxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected. Informed consents were obtained from each participant.METHODS: Putting the medicinal cakes on the acupoints, Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20),Shenshu (BL21), and then lighted moxa every other day, totally for 10 times. Different quantities were compared before and after applying moxibustion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hemocyte routine examination was performed before and after moxibustion. Positive percentage and mean fluorescent strength of CD58 molecule on erythrocyte surface were determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: The quantities of erythrocytes and leukocytes were increased significantly following moxibustion (P < 0.01). Positive percentage and mean fluorescent strength of CD58 molecule on erythrocyte surface were significantly greater following moxibustion (P < 0.01), especially fluorescent strength of CD58 molecule on erythrocyte surface following moxibustion.CONCLUSION: There are close relationships between CD58 expression and moxibustion. Moxibustion with medicinal cake plays an important role in the immune function of a body.