[Objective]To observe the effects of total alkaloids (TA) of Tongbiling (TBL) prescription on proliferation of T lymphocytes and transferring receptor of T lymphocytes (CD71) in rats and to explore the mechanism of TBL in regulating cellular immunity. [Methods]Isolated lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph node were cultured with various concentrations of TBL TA and canavaline A (ConA) for 72 hours; the proliferation of T lymphocytes was observed by MTT method and CD71 expression rate of T lymphocyte activated by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) or ConA for 48 hours was detected by flow cytometry.[Results]Various concentrations of TBL TA inhibited the proliferation of T lymphocytes activated by ConA and decreased CD71 expression rate of T lymphocyte activated by ConA or PDB in a dose-effect manner. Inhibitory effect of TBL TA on CD71 expression rate of T lymphocyte activated by ConA was superior to that activated by PDB. [Conclusion]TBL TA can inhibit the abnormal proliferation of T lymphocytes and its mechanism may be related to the expression of CD71.