ObjectiveTo analyze the relation between regulatory T cell (Treg)/ helper T cell 17 (Th17) imbalance and the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and to explore the relation between Treg/Th17 cell imbalance and helper T cells 1, helper T cells 2 and cytokines in patients with AP, so as to provide a new therapeutic target for immunotherapy of AP. Methods From January to December 2020, 40 patients diagnosed with AP ( AP group) in The People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and 40 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination (normal control group) during the same period in this hospital were selected as the research objects. Their peripheral bloods were collected and the proportion of Treg and Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were detected. Results Compared with the normal control group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells increased before treatment in the AP group, the differences were statistically significant (t=5.78, P<0.001; t=5.82, P<0.001). The levels of IL-10 and IL-17 increased, the differences were statistically significant (t=7.14, P<0.001; t=35.22, P<0.001). After treatment, the AP group as compared with the normal control group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells increased but the differences were not statistically significant (t=1.87, P>0.05; t=0.29, P>0.05), the level of IL-10 increased and the difference was statistically significant (t=3.98, P<0.001), the level of IL-17 increased but the difference was not statistically significant (t=1.67, P>0.05). After treatment as compared with before treatment in the AP group, the proportions of Treg and Th17 cells decreased, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.07, P<0.01; t=4.99, P<0.001). The levels of IL-10 and IL-17 decreased, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.38, P<0.001; t=30.63, P<0.001). Conclusion In AP, Treg cells mediate immunosuppression and Th17 cells mediate inflammatory response, promoting the occurrence and development of inflammation in the disease. IL-10 and IL-17 may play an important role in regulating their differentiation and homeostasis.