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AIM The aim of this study was to clarify whether there are more regulatory T (Treg) and regulatory B (Breg) cells, and higher levels of IL-10-related transcription factors in subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)-treated pollinosis patients than in non-SCIT-treated patients. METHODS Japanese cedar pollinosis patients undergoing SCIT had received treatment for at least 2.8 years. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used for flow cytometer analyses and mRNA measurement. RESULTS The numbers of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1)-like cells and Breg cells, and expression of E4BP4 mRNA by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in SCIT-treated patients were higher than those in non-SCIT-treated patients. CONCLUSION Tr1-like cells, Breg cells and E4BP4 may be involved in the effectiveness of SCIT.