Direct numerical simulations are performed for a turbulent flow subjected to a sudden change in pressure gradient. The calculations are started from a fully-developed turbulent channel flow at. The pressure gradient of the channel flow is then changed abruptly. The responses of the turbulence quantities (e.g., turbulence intensities, Reynolds shear stress, and vorticity fluctuations) and the near-wall turbulence structure to the pressure gradient change are investigated. It is found that there are two different relaxations: a fast relaxation at the early stage and a slow one at the later stage. The early response of the velocity fluctuations shows an anisotropic response of the near-wall turbulence.