Imbalance of helper T cell type 1, helper T cell type 2 and associated cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: Th1 and Th2 cells and their associated cytokines function in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their exact roles are uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis to examine the relationship of these cells and cytokines with SLE.Methods: Multiple databases were searched to identify publications that reported the percentages of Th1 and Th2 cells and their associated cytokines in SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs). Meta-analysis was performed using Stata MP version 16.Results: SLE patients had a lower percentage of Th1 cells, a higher percentage of Th2 cells, and higher levels of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines than HCs. SLE treatments normalized some but not all of these indicators. For studies in which the proportion of females was less than 94%, the percentage of Th2 cells and the level of IL-10 were higher in patients than HCs. SLE patients who had abnormal kidney function and were younger than 30 years old had a higher proportion of Th1 cells than HCs. SLE patients more than 30 years old had a higher level of IL-6 than HCs.Conclusion: Medications appeared to restore the balance of Th1 cells and other disease indicators in patients with SLE. Gender and age affected the levels of Th1 and Th2 cells, and the abnormally elevated levels of Th2 cells appear to be more pronounced in older patients and males.Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022296540].

sNASP Mutation Aggravates to the TLR4-Mediated Inflammation in SLE by TAK1 Pathway

“…The pro-inflammatory cytokines, which infer IL-6 as a mediator of disease initiation, increase the susceptivity of the vascular pathology in MRL-Fas lpr mouse model [ 34 ]. A meta-analysis suggested that the levels of IL-6 and TNF- α in SLE patients were higher than in healthy controls [ 35 ]. Compared to B6.lpr, the proteins of IL-6 and TNF- α in macrophage culture supernatant in B6.∆sNASP.lpr mice were significantly higher, and the level of the mRNA was also increased by LPS stimulation.…”

“…The proinflammatory cytokines, which infer IL-6 as a mediator of disease initiation, increase the susceptivity of the vascular pathology in MRL-Fas lpr mouse model [34]. A meta-analysis suggested that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in SLE patients were higher than in healthy controls [35]. Compared to B6.…”

Leveraging Lymphatic System Targeting in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus for Improved Clinical Outcomes

“…Activated naïve CD4+ T cells proliferate and differentiate into effector T helper cells. Overactivation of T-cells results in the amplification of inflammation via secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, hyperactivation of B-cells leading to the generation of autoantibodies and further production of immune complexes and immunoglobulins, and maintenance of SLE via the retention of autoreactive memory T cells (Suárez-Fueyo et al, 2016;Xiang et al, 2022) (figure 2). Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of SLE is yet to be understood entirely.…”

Commentary on Updated Insight into the Role of Th2-Associated Immunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…Type 2-related immune response is common in more than 50% of SLE patients [2]. Abnormal Th2-associated immunity is more frequent in elderly and male SLE patients [3], while the detailed molecular mechanism for this discrepancy has not been verified. Identifying new strategies targeting checkpoint molecules involved in Th2related immunity is urgent for the targeted treatment of SLE.…”