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Th1- and Th2-like cytokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in autism
S Gupta1, S Aggarwal, B Rashanravan
1Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92697-4075, USA. sgupta@uci.edu
Insights
Autism is linked to an imbalance in immune responses, specifically involving T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines. This study found lower Th1 cytokines and higher Th2 cytokines in children with autism.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cytokines play a crucial role in immune regulation.
- T helper (Th) cells are critical immune cells with distinct subtypes, Th1 and Th2, characterized by their cytokine profiles.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with growing evidence suggesting immune system involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of Th1-like (IL-2, IFN-gamma) and Th2-like (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) cytokines in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells of children with autism.
- To compare these cytokine levels between children with autism and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Intracellular cytokine levels in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were measured using flow cytometry (FACScan).
- Specific antibodies against cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) and monoclonal antibodies against CD4 and CD8 cell surface markers were employed.
Main Results:
- Proportions of Th1 cells (IFN-gamma+CD4+, IL-2+CD4+) and TC1 cells (IFN-gamma+CD8+, IL-2+CD8+) were significantly lower in autistic children compared to controls.
- Proportions of Th2 cells (IL-4+CD4+) and TC2 cells (IL-4+CD8+) were significantly increased in autistic children.
- Levels of IL-6 and IL-10 producing T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) were comparable between autistic children and controls.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a significant imbalance in Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in children with autism.
- This Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance may contribute to the underlying pathogenesis of autism.
Abstract:
Th1-like (IL-2, IFN-gamma) and Th2-like (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) cytokines were examined in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in children with autism. Intracellular cytokines were measured using specific antibodies to various cytokines and anti-CD4 or anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies by FACScan. Proportions of IFN-gamma+CD4+ T cells and IL-2+CD4+ T cells (Th1), and IFN-gamma+CD8+ and IL-2+CD8+ T cells (TC1) were significantly lower in autistic children as compared to healthy controls. In contrast, IL-4+CD4+ T cells (Th2) and IL-4+CD8+ T cells (TC2) were significantly increased in autism. The proportions of IL-6+ CD4+, IL-6+CD8+ and IL-10+CD4+, IL-10+CD8+ T cells were comparable in autism and control group. These data suggest that an imbalance of Th1- and Th2-like cytokines in autism may play a role in the pathogenesis of autism.