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Updated: May 14, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Th17/Treg imbalance in malignant pleural effusion
Wei-Bing Yang1, Zhi-Jian Ye1, Fei Xiang1
1Department of Respiratory Diseases, Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Diseases of Health Ministry, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) shows increased T helper IL-17-producing cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). This study reveals a significant Th17/Treg imbalance in MPE, impacting immune cell correlations.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is characterized by increased T helper IL-17-producing cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
- The precise Th17/Treg balance and its association with Th1/Th2 cells in MPE remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of Th17 cells relative to Tregs in MPE.
- To explore the Th1/Th2 cell balance in the context of MPE.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to quantify Th17, Tregs, Th1, and Th2 cells in MPE and peripheral blood.
- Statistical analysis explored correlations between these immune cell populations.
Main Results:
- All measured immune cells (Th17, Tregs, Th1, Th2) were elevated in MPE compared to peripheral blood.
- A negative correlation was observed between Th17 cells and Tregs within MPE, unlike in peripheral blood.
- Th17 cells and the Th17/Treg ratio positively correlated with Th1 cells, while Tregs negatively correlated with Th1 cells in MPE.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms elevated Th17 and Treg frequencies in MPE.
- It provides the first evidence of a Th17/Treg imbalance in malignant pleural effusion.
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