三氧化二砷对MRL/Ipr狼疮鼠IFN-γ、IL-4表达和Th1/Th2平衡的影响

探讨三氧化二砷(ATO)对MRL/Ipr狼疮鼠IFN-γ、IL-4表达和Th1/Th2平衡的影响.将发病早期和晚期的MRL/Ipr狼疮鼠分别接受ATO、环磷酰胺(CTX)和生理盐水(NS)治疗2个月,然后用ELISA法测血清中IFN-γ、IL-4的浓度和抗ds-DNA抗体水平及四色流式细胞术测脾脏CD3 (T)细胞、CD3 CD4 (Th)细胞、CD3 CD4 IFN-γ IL-4-(Th1)细胞和CD3 CD4 IL-4 IFN-γ(Th2)细胞的百分率,从而研究ATO对MRL/lpr狼疮鼠IFN-γ、IL-4表达和Th1/Th2平衡的影响.发现给药后,3、5月龄ATO组MRL/lpr狼疮鼠血清抗ds-DNA抗体水平明显下降(P<0.05),其血清IFN-γ和IL-4浓度、Th1、Th2和CD3 细胞百分率均低于相应月龄的NS组(P<0.05),且NS组中5月龄组Th1/Th2值较3月龄组显著升高(P=0.003),而在ATO组中差异无统计学意义(P=0.187).因此,研究显示ATO能显著降低发病早期和发病晚期的MRL/lpr狼疮鼠血清抗ds-DNA抗体的水平,可抑制T细胞和Th细胞增生和活化功能,降低IFN-γ和IL-4的血清水平和细胞诱生水平,并在一定程度上逆转发病晚期的MRL/lpr狼疮鼠的Th1偏移.     

Th 细胞因子IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4 在狼疮性肾炎中的表达及意义

目的:探讨T辅助细胞(Th)相关细胞因子在狼疮性肾炎发病中的免疫机制作用。方法:64例系统性红斑狼疮患者和28例健康体检者作为对照,采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA法)检测所有受试者血清IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4水平,并对其与SLEDAI、SDI、24小时尿蛋白量相关性进行研究。结果:狼疮性肾炎组血清IL-17水平显著高于狼疮无肾炎组和健康对照组(P<0.001),狼疮性肾炎组血清IFN-γ水平显著高于狼疮无肾炎组(P<0.05)和健康对照组(P<0.01),血清IL-4水平在狼疮性肾炎组、狼疮无肾炎组均显著高于健康对照组(P<0.01)。狼疮性肾炎组IFN-γ/IL-4比值显著高于狼疮无肾炎组(P<0.01)和健康对照组(P<0.05);狼疮无肾炎组IFN-γ/IL-4比值显著低于健康对照组(P<0.01)。SLE患者血清IFN-γ表达水平与SLEDAI积分呈正相关(r=0.402,P<0.05),血清IL-17、IL-4表达水平与SLEDAI、SDI、抗ds-DNA抗体、C3、24小时尿蛋白量均无相关性。结论:狼疮性肾炎患者外周血中IL-17、IFN-γ、IL-4等促炎细胞因子均有不同程度升高促起炎症发生及组织损伤,参与了狼疮性肾炎的免疫发病过程。     

幽门螺杆菌感染者Th1/Th2细胞免疫应答变化

目的观察幽门螺杆菌(H.pylori)相关性胃病患者血清Th1/Th2细胞因子(干扰素-γ,IFN-γ、白细胞介素-4,IL-4)水平变化,以探讨其在发病中的可能免疫致病机制。方法采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定17例慢性浅表性胃炎、15例胃癌前病变和20例胃癌患者血清IFN-γ及IL-4的含量。比较H.pylori阳性3组患者之间、H.pylori阳性与阴性各相应组患者之间血清2种细胞因子的差异。结果 H.pylori阳性的浅表性胃炎组、胃癌前病变组及胃癌组血清IL-4含量随病变的进展有逐渐升高的趋势,但3组之间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);H.pylori阳性的3组血清IFN-γ含量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);H.pylori阳性与阴性的各相应组血清IFN-γ含量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);H.pylori阳性的胃癌前病变组和胃癌组与H.pylori阴性的相应组血清IL-4含量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);H.pylori阳性的浅表性胃炎组血清IL-4含量较H.pylori阴性的浅表性胃炎组明显降低(P<0.05)。结论 H.pylori感染可能抑制Th2型免疫应答,导致H.pylori感染持续存在;H.pylori感染相关胃部病变进展过程中,可能存在Th1型应答向Th2型应答漂移,与胃癌的发生可能有一定的相关性。     

人外周血Th细胞和Tc细胞内IFN-γ及IL-4表达水平与白塞病的关系

目的检测BD患者外周血Th细胞和Tc细胞内INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平,探索BD患者体内的免疫状况。方法采用流式细胞术检测BD活动期患者(n=22),BD稳定期(n=6)以及健康体检者(n=22)外周血T细胞亚群INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平。结果 BD患者活动期外周血细胞Th细胞和Tc细胞经过刺激后胞内合成IFN-γ的水平明显高于正常人水平(Th细胞:22.45%±7.33%vs.16.32±4.96%,P<0.05;Tc细胞:36.74%±13.19%vs.28.67%±11.56%,P<0.05),稳定期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞体外合成IFN-γ的能力与正常人相比无明显差异;稳定期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞胞内合成IL-4的能力相对于正常人均无明显差异:(稳定期Th细胞:3.01%±1.38%vs.2.87%±1.46%,Tc细胞:1.14%±0.28%vs.1.07%±0.32%,P>0.05)。而活动期患者Th细胞和Tc细胞胞内合成IL-4的能力相对于正常人均存在明显差异:(Th细胞:3.54%±1.62%vs.2.87%±1.46%,Tc细胞:1.82%±0.43%vs.1.07%±0.32%,P<0.05);导致Th细胞和Tc细胞有偏向Th1及Tc1的趋势(Th细胞IFN-γ/IL-4:6.34±3.24 vs.5.69±4.72,p>0.05;Tc细胞IFN-γ/IL-4:20.19±13.65 vs.26.79±14.52,P>0.05)。结论 BD患者外周血INF-γ和IL-4的表达水平明显升高,并与疾病活动期存在一定程度相关,可能对白塞病患者的诊断具有重要的临床意义。     

不同RF型类风湿性关节炎患者Th17相关细胞因子表达研究

目的:探讨类风湿因子阳性与阴性类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者外周血中辅助T细胞(Th17)及相关细胞因子白介素17(interleukin,IL-17),白介素6(interleukin,IL-6)表达的差异。方法:收集RA患者51例,根据RF测定分为RF+、RF-组,健康查体者(对照组)20例,采用流式细胞术检测受检者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)的Th17细胞的百分率;以酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测受检者血浆中IL-17,IL-6的水平。结果:RA患者CD4+IL-17+T细胞,IL-17、IL-6水平均高于对照组,RF因子阳性与阴性RA患者之间CD4+IL-17+T细胞,IL-17、IL-6表达水平均存在差异有统计学意义。结论:在RA中不同RF型免疫反应和炎症表达的不同,可能与Th17及相关细胞因子表达差异有关。     

抗结核治疗对肺结核病患者血清TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-10和IL-17表达差异的影响

目的 探讨肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)、白介素-10(IL-10)和白介素-17(IL-17)在肺结核病患者抗结核治疗前后表达的差异.方法 选择新发未治疗的肺结核病患者20例,经抗结核治疗后肺结核病好转的患者20例,采集患者血清,采用ELISA方法检测TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-10和IL-17的表达水平的差异,明确上述细胞因子在肺结核病患者抗结核治疗过程中的作用机制.结果 肺结核病初诊患者血清中TNF-α、IL-17的含量较肺结核病患者治疗后好转的明显增高,分别为(144.05 ±59.15)pg/mL vs (97.55 ±20.58)pg/mL和(33.10±19.07) pg/mL vs(10.80±1.50) pg/mL,两组间比较差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而IFN-γ在肺结核病患者治疗好转组血清中较肺结核病初诊患者明显升高[(97.40±48.00) pg/mL vs(30.98±16.72) pg/mL],两组间比较差异具有统计学意义(P=0.000);但肺结核病初诊患者和治疗后好转组血清IL-1O差异无统计学意义[(141.02±33.42) pg/mL vs (146.78 ±33.75)pg/mL].结论 肺结核病患者体内存在着明显的免疫紊乱,抗结核治疗后TNF-α、IL-17明显降低,而IFN-γ则明显升高,提示在抗结核治疗肺结核病患者的过程中,连续监测免疫学指标有助于判断抗结核治疗的疗效.     

妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体 与Th1/Th2 型细胞因子的变化

目的:研究妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症患者外周血中维生素D受体的表达与Th1/Th2型细胞因子干扰素-γ/白细胞介素-4(IFN-γ/IL-4)的变化关系,探讨ICP发病机制。方法:选取ICP患者31例(ICP组),孕周相匹配的正常孕妇31例(正常对照组)。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA法),检测两组孕妇血清中Th1型细胞因子(IFN-γ)和Th2型细胞因子(IL-4)的水平;采用实时荧光定量逆转录-多聚酶链反应(qRT-PCR),检测两组孕妇外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体(VDR)mRNA的表达水平,采用3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)为内参,根据相对定量公式:2-△△CT分析VDR mRNA的表达水平。结果:(1)ICP组外周血清中IFN-γ的浓度[(230.93±36.04)pg/ml]明显高于正常对照组[(138.37±25.08)pg/ml],差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。ICP组血清中IL-4浓度[(9.99±3.19)pg/ml]和正常对照组[(8.58±2.43)pg/ml]比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。ICP组IFN-γ/IL-4比值(24.56±6.91)高于正常对照组(17.13±4.84),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)ICP组外周血单个核细胞维生素D受体mRNA的表达明显低于正常对照组(P<0.01),正常对照组VDR的表达定义为1.0,ICP组的表达量为0.4。(3)ICP组外周血中VDR的表达水平与IFN-γ浓度呈明显负相关(r=-0.833,P<0.01),与IL-4浓度无明显相关(r=-0.109,P>0.05),与IFN-γ/IL-4比值呈负相关,但相关性不强(r=-0.356,P=0.049<0.05)。结论:ICP患者外周血Th1/Th2型细胞因子平衡由Th2向Th1偏移,可能与ICP孕妇外周血单个核细胞VDR的表达减少有关。     

异源反应性NK细胞对骨髓移植小鼠脾脏Th1/Th2细胞亚群的影响

目的:观察异源反应性自然杀伤细胞(NK细胞)对骨髓移植小鼠脾脏辅助性T细胞Th1/Th2亚群的影响。方法:以BALB/c和CB6F1小鼠为受体,在γ射线照射后通过尾静脉输入C57BL/6J小鼠的骨髓细胞和脾脏单个核细胞,建立移植物抗宿主病模型;然后输入供体的NK细胞,检测受体小鼠脾脏中Th1/Th2淋巴细胞亚群和外周血中γ干扰素(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素10(IL-10)的变化。结果:与单纯输入骨髓细胞和单个核细胞组小鼠相比,输入异源反应性NK细胞后,BALB/c和CB6F1小鼠脾脏中Th1细胞比例均下降,Th2细胞比例均上升,CB6F1小鼠脾脏中Th2虽有升高但没有统计学意义;外周血中IL-10水平显著升高,IFN-γ的水平显著下降。结论:异源反应性NK细胞可能通过降低脾脏中Th1细胞亚群比例和升高Th2细胞亚群比例减轻移植物抗宿主病。     

复发性自然流产患者外周血中Th17及Treg细胞及其效应因子的变化

目的:探讨复发性自然流产患者外周血中Th17、Treg细胞以及相关细胞因子的变化。方法:选择复发性自然流产患者25例,正常妊娠妇女25例以及正常非妊娠育龄妇女25例,流式细胞术测定外周血中Th17和Treg细胞数量,ELISA法测定血清IL-10、TGF-β及IL-17的浓度。结果:复发性自然流产患者外周血中Th17细胞百分率显著高于正常妊娠以及正常非孕妇女(P0.05),Treg细胞百分率显著低于正常非孕妇女(P0.05),但与正常妊娠妇女相比无显著性差异(P0.05);复发性自然流产患者外周血IL-10及TGF-β水平显著低于正常妊娠妇女以及正常非孕妇女(P0.05),而IL-17水平显著高于正常妊娠妇女以及正常非孕妇女(P0.05)。结论:外周血Th17细胞数和IL-17水平的升高以及抑制性细胞因子IL-10和TGF-β水平的下降可能是复发性自然流产发生的重要原因。     

Th17及Th1相关细胞因子与支气管哮喘的关系研究

目的:分析外周血Th17、Th1及相关细胞因子表达水平和支气管哮喘(bronchial asthma,BA)发生、发展的相关性研究。方法:回顾选取我院收治的BA病例57份,称作BA组,另选取呼吸系统正常的病例55例为对照组,检测两组入选者的外周血IL-2、TNF-α、Th17、IL-6、Th1指标表达差异,并进行多因素回归分析。结果:BA组Th17(0.62±1.67)%、Th1(1.45±0.48)%及Th1/Th17(2.33±1.28)均显著低于对照组(P均0.05);BA组TNF-α(27.46±8.12)pg/mL、IL-6(11.69±2.14)pg/mL表达量显著高于对照组,IL-2(2.58±3.89)pg/mL、IFN-γ(3.74±6.15)pg/mL含量均显著低于对照组(P均0.05);经Logistic回归分析,TNF-α、IL-6、IFN-γ、Th1/Th17、IL-2均和BA有密切相关性(P均0.05)。结论:IL-2、IFN-γ、Th1/Th17、TNF-α、IL-6表达水平均与BA有密切关联,可能是参与BA发病的主要原因,及早进行Th17、Th1及相关细胞因子检查有助于明确病情。     

白细胞介素23在呼吸道合胞病毒感染致Th1、Th2及Th17细胞分化中的作用及机制

本研究旨在探讨白细胞介素23(interleukin 23,IL-23)在呼吸道合胞病毒(respiratory syncytial virus,RSV)感染支气管上皮细胞BEAS-2B后对Th1、Th2和Th17细胞分化的影响及作用机制。将RSV感染BEAS-2B后的上清液与淋巴细胞共孵育,并分别阻断IL-23受体(IL-23 receptor,IL-23R)、IL-23p19亚基及p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38 MAPK)信号通路。应用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测上清液中细胞因子γ干扰素(interferon γ,IFN-γ)、IL-4、IL-17的浓度。同时,应用实时聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测相关转录因子(t-bet、gata3、rorγt)和信号转导子(stat4、stat6、stat3)的表达。结果显示,RSV感染后IFN-γ、IL-4和IL-17蛋白表达上调,转录因子及信号转导子的表达也有所增加。阻断IL-23和p38 MAPK信号通路后,Th1、Th2和Th7细胞分泌的细胞因子及转录因子表达均明显下降。结果提示,阻断IL-23后可在基因转导层面抑制RSV感染上皮细胞后诱导的Th1、Th2和Th17细胞分化,此过程可能与p38 MAPK信号通路有关。     

Th1/Th2 cells, their associated molecules and role in pathophysiology

Cytokines, chemokines, and/or chemokine receptors associated with type 1 T helper (Th1) or Th2 cells play a role in different physiological conditions, such as T lymphopoiesis and pregnancy, as well as in pathological conditions, such as unexplained recurrent abortions, proliferative glomerulonephritis, and control of angiogenesis.     

Immunity to Candida albicans: Th1, Th2 cells and beyond.

Resistance to Candida albicans infection in mice results from the development of T helper (Th) type 1 cell responses. Cytokines produced by Th1 cells activate macrophages and neutrophils to a candidacidal state. The development of Th2 responses underlines susceptibility to infection, because cytokines produced by Th2 cells inhibit Th1 development and deactivate phagocytic effector cells. With the recognition of the reciprocal influences between innate and adaptive Th immunity, it appears that the coordinated action of these two lines of immune defense is required to efficiently oppose the infectivity of the fungus and to determine its lifelong commensalism at the mucosal level.     

Th1 and Th17 Responses to Helicobacter pylori in Bangladeshi Infants,Children and Adults

Both Th1 and Th17 cells are important components of the immune response to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in adults, but less is known about T cell responses to Hp during early childhood, when the infection is often acquired. We investigated Th1 and Th17 type responses to Hp in adults, children and infants in Bangladesh, where Hp is highly endemic. IL-17 and IFN-γ mRNA levels in gastric biopsies from Hp-infected Bangladeshi adults were analyzed and compared to levels in infected and uninfected Swedish controls. Since biopsies could not be collected from infants and children, cytokine responses in Bangladeshi infants (6–12 months), children (3–5 years) and adults (>19 years) were instead compared by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with a Hp membrane preparation (MP) and analyzing culture supernatants by ELISA and cytometric bead array. We found significantly higher expression of IL-17 and IFN-γ mRNA in gastric mucosa of Hp-infected Bangladeshi and Swedish adults compared to uninfected Swedish controls. PBMCs from all age groups produced IL-17 and IFN-γ after MP stimulation, but little Th2 cytokines. IL-17 and IFN-γ were primarily produced by CD4⁺ T cells, since CD4⁺ T cell depleted PBMCs produced reduced amounts of these cytokines. Infant cells produced significantly more IL-17, but similar levels of IFN-γ, compared to adult cells after MP stimulation. In contrast, polyclonal stimulation induced lower levels IL-17 and IFN-γ in infant compared to adult PBMCs and CD4⁺ T cells. The strong IL-17 production in infants after MP stimulation was paralleled by significantly higher production of the IL-17 promoting cytokine IL-1β from infant compared to adult PBMCs and monocytes. In conclusion, these results show that T cells can produce high levels of IL-17 and IFN-γ in response to Hp from an early age and indicate a potential role for IL-1β in promoting Th17 responses to Hp during infancy.     

Th1, Th2, and Th17 effector T cell-induced autoimmune gastritis differs in pathological pattern and in susceptibility to suppression by regulatory T cells

Th cells can be subdivided into IFN-gamma-secreting Th1, IL-4/IL-5-secreting Th2, and IL-17-secreting Th17 cells. We have evaluated the capacity of fully differentiated Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells derived from a mouse bearing a transgenic TCR specific for the gastric parietal cell antigen, H(+)K(+)-ATPase, to induce autoimmune gastritis after transfer to immunodeficient recipients. We have also determined the susceptibility of the disease induced by each of the effector T cell types to suppression by polyclonal regulatory T cells (Treg) in vivo. Each type of effector cell induced autoimmune gastritis with distinct histological patterns. Th17 cells induced the most destructive disease with cellular infiltrates composed primarily of eosinophils accompanied by high levels of serum IgE. Polyclonal Treg could suppress the capacity of Th1 cells, could moderately suppress Th2 cells, but could suppress Th17-induced disease only at early time points. The major effect of the Treg was to inhibit the expansion of the effector T cells. However, effector cells isolated from protected animals were not anergic and were fully competent to proliferate and produce effector cytokines ex vivo. The strong inhibitory effect of polyclonal Treg on the capacity of some types of differentiated effector cells to induce disease provides an experimental basis for the clinical use of polyclonal Treg in the treatment of autoimmune disease in humans.     

Prevalence and Clinical Relevance of T-Helper Cells,Th17 and Th1, in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Aims

An immune imbalance in the cytokine profile exerts a profound influence on the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study evaluated the immune status of T helper (Th) 17 and Th1 cells in patients with HBV-related and non-HBV-related HCC.

Methods

We randomly enrolled 150 patients with HCC. Blood samples and tissue samples were obtained. The distributions and phenotypic features of Th17 and Th1 cells were determined by flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry.

Results

Compared to corresponding non-tumor regions, the levels of Th17 and Th1 cells were significantly increased in tumors of patients with HCC (P<0.001). The intratumoral densities of IL-17-producing cells and IFN-γ-producing cells were associated with overall survival (OS, P = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.001) of patients with HCC. The ratio of Th17 to Th1 in HBV-related HCC was higher than in non-HBV-related HCC. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the Th17 to Th1 ratio was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 2.651, P = 0.007) and DFS (HR = 2.456, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

HBV infections can lead to an imbalance in immune status in patients with HCC. An elevated Th17 to Th1 ratio may promote tumor progression. The Th17 to Th1 ratio could serve as a potential prognostic marker for scoring the severity of HCC.     

C-type lectins, fungi and Th17 responses

Th17 cells are a recently discovered subset of T helper cells characterised by the release of IL-17, and are thought to be important for mobilization of immune responses against microbial pathogens, but which also contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. The identification of C-type lectin receptors which are capable of regulating the balance between Th1 and Th17 responses has been of particular recent interest, which they control, in part, though the release of Th17 inducing cytokines. Many of these receptors recognise fungi, and other pathogens, and play key roles in driving the development of protective anti-microbial immunity. Here we will review the C-type lectins that have been linked to Th17 type responses and will briefly examine the role of Th17 responses in murine and human anti-fungal immunity.     

Th1/Th2 differentiation and cross-regulation

The T helper (Th) phenotypes, Th1/Th2, are acquired upon interaction of a naive T helper cell and an antigen presenting cell (APC). Naive T helper cells may differentiate into either phenotype, and the actual outcome is determined by the density and avidity of the antigenic determinants presented by the APC, and the APCs inherent costimulatory properties. Until recently it was thought that differentiation is further affected by cytokines. However, Murphy et al. (1996, J. Exp. Med. 183, 901) have demonstrated that the experimental results, formerly interpreted as Th1/Th2 differentiation, in effect comprise an observation of two consecutive processes. (i) An interaction between naive T cells and APC creates a mixture of mature cells irreversibly committed to Th1 or Th2 phenotype. (ii) Subsequent addition of regulatory cytokines, promotes expansion of one phenotype while suppressing the other. The consequent shift in the per culture production of marker cytokines mimics the appearance of a cellular phenotype switch. We present and analyse a mathematical model that extrapolates these experimental facts into systemic behavior during an immune response. Despite the fact that differentiation produces cells of Th1 and Th2 phenotypes with the same receptor specificity, our results indicate that competition for antigenic stimulation, mediated by the APCs, combines with cytokine mediated cross-suppression between phenotypes to yield a response that is eventually dominated by T helper cells that are uniform in both receptor specificity (clonotype) and in cytokine secretion phenotype.