In a study investigating human E. multilocularis infection, an increase in the l
ID: 3164419 • Letter: I
Question
In a study investigating human E. multilocularis infection, an increase in the levels of the cytokines IL-10 and TGF beta were observed to be associated with chronic infection and suppression of immunity to E. multilocularis metacestodes. Th1 and Th17 cell activity was also found to be down regulated. Based on previous data showing that Th2 cell activity contributes to chronic infection and that Th1 cell activity may be protective, explain which T cell subset is responsible for immune suppression. What cytokines characterize Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells?
Explanation / Answer
Naive T cell is activated by antigen presenting cells in peripheral lymphoid Tissue after which they can differentiate into Th1,Th2, Th17, Treg, and Tfh. out of which Th1 and Th17 elicit cell-mediated immunity and inflammatory responses whereas Th2 and Tfh enhance humoral immunity and antibody production and Treg cells inhibits Tcell responses.
IL-2 is the cytokine which characterize Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells.