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Cytokines are the hormonal messengers responsible for most of the biological effects in the immune system, such as cell-mediated immunity and allergic type responses. T lymphocytes are a major source of cytokines. These cells bear antigen-specific receptors on their cell surface to allow recognition of foreign pathogens. There are two main subsets of T lymphocytes, distinguished by the presence of cell surface molecules known as CD4 and CD8. T lymphocytes expressing CD4 are also known as helper T cells, and these are regarded as being the most prolific cytokine producers. This subset can be further subdivided into Th1 and Th2, and the cytokines they produce are known as Th1-type cytokines and Th2-type cytokines.
Th1 cells
Type 1 helper T cells are characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-β. Th1 cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity. The cytokines produced by Th1 cells stimulate the phagocytosis and destruction of microbial pathogens.
Several chronic inflammatory diseases have been described as Th1 dominant diseases i.e. multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Th2 cells
Type 2 helper T cells are characterized by the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, and IL-13. Th2 cells are thought to play a role in allergy responses. Cytokines like IL-4 generally stimulate the production of antibodies directed toward large extracellular parasites. IL-5 stimulates eosinophil responses, also part of the immune response toward large extracellular parasites. Atrophy and allergy are thought to be Th2 dominant conditions.
Improved understanding of Th1 and Th2 differentiation will improve our overall understanding of the immune system, its response to infection and aberrant responses that lead to disease.
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