T cells and reactive oxygen species

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been long considered simply as harmful by-products of metabolism, which damage cellular proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. ROS are also known as a weapon of phagocytes, employed against pathogens invading the host. However, during the last decade, an understanding has emerged that ROS also have important roles as signaling messengers in a multitude of pathways, in all cells, tissues, and organs. T lymphocytes are the key players of the adaptive immune response, which both coordinate other immune cells and destroy malignant and virus-infected cells. ROS have been extensively implicated in T-cell hyporesponsiveness, apoptosis, and activation. It has also become evident that the source, the kinetics, and the localization of ROS production all influence cell responses. Thus, the characterization of the precise mechanisms by which ROS are involved in the regulation of T-cell functions is important for our understanding of the immune response and for the development of new therapeutic treatments against immune-mediated diseases. This review summarizes the 30-year-long history of research on ROS in T lymphocytes, with the emphasis on the physiological roles of ROS.

5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Sonodynamic Therapy Alleviates Atherosclerosis via Enhancing Efferocytosis and Facilitating a Shift in the Th1/Th2 Balance Toward Th2 Polarization

“…Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress acts as an obligate second messenger, and the oxidative status of Th cells controls their effector functions, including cytokine production and subset differentiation [31-34]. Investigations both in vivo and in vitro have shown that ROS can preferentially promote Th2 skewing [35-37].…”

Impact of <i>Lycium barbarum</i> polysaccharide on apoptosis in <i>Mycoplasma</i>-infected splenic lymphocytes

“…Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been considered as messengers of phagocytes involved in defense against pathogen invasion [10]. They are involved in lymphocytes activation, hypo-responsiveness, and apoptosis [10].…”

“…They are involved in lymphocytes activation, hypo-responsiveness, and apoptosis [10]. Recent studies indicate that LBP has antioxidant properties [9,11].…”

Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaves Extract Reduces Human T-Cell Hyporesponsiveness and Dna Damage Induced by Oxidative Stress

“…2 Several studies have demonstrated that exposure of T-cells to either ROS or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) leads to decreased T-cell proliferation and migration. 1,3,4 Supplementation with nutrient anti-oxidants has become of wide interest in chronic inflammatory diseases where patients experience increased oxidative stress. Moringa oleifera extracts have been considered as supplements in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.…”

“…At least one of the consequences of prolonged exposure to these is the inhibition of T-cell responses, differential regulation of TH1 versus TH2 development and inhibition of T regulatory cell responses. 1 The ability of cells to regulate their levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through intracellular anti-oxidants such as Glutathione is critical in the deployment of physiological responses. Unfortunately in chronic inflammatory conditions both the intracellular environment and inflammatory fluids are skewed towards excess ROS.…”