Alcohol-mediated polarization of type 1 and type 2 immune responses

Abstract

Immune responses of alcoholics are often compromised, placing them at increased risk for frequent and severe infections. We demonstrate, using a murine model that parallels human alcoholism, that ethanol consumption polarizes adaptive immune responses by CD4+ T helper lymphocytes (Th). Alcohol impairs Th1-regulated cell-mediated, although Th2-regulated humoral responses are largely unimpaired and may be enhanced. Ethanol's effect is most pronounced during the early or cognitive phase of the immune response, when antigen-presenting cells (APC) interact with T cells. We find that alcohol does not act directly upon T cells, but upon APC. Consequences of this interaction of alcohol with APC in vivo are diminished Th1-mediated delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions, while at the same time increased Th2-regulated serum IgE levels are seen. Further ethanol consumption leads to decrease affinity of the IgG2a and IgG2b Th1-regulated antibody isotypes.

Risk assessment in elderly for sensitization to food and respiratory allergens

“…Alcohol consumption has been related to allergic skin manifestations, regardless of the extent of the underlying liver disease [29]. Furthermore, it has been shown that alcohol biases the immune response towards Th2 [30], and elevated IgE has been also observed in connection with chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis [31]. Associations between alcohol consumption and pollen sensitization or atopic dermatitis were described previously [17,32].…”

The association between alcohol consumption and contact sensitization in Danish adults: the Glostrup Allergy Study

“…3 There is substantial evidence that alcohol consumption has an effect on the immune system: alcohol leads to impaired T-helper 1 (Th1) lymphocyte-regulated cell-mediated immune responses favouring a Th2 lymphocyte deviation of the immune system. [4][5][6][7][8] Furthermore, in alcohol abstinence syndrome, an increased level of Th2 lymphocyte-related cytokines has been demonstrated in comparison with healthy controls. 9 Thus, alcohol consumption is associated with changes in the cytokine profile consistent with a relative Th2 lymphocyte deviation of the immune system.…”

Inhibition of Myeloid Dendritic Cell Accessory Cell Function and Induction of T Cell Anergy by Alcohol Correlates with Decreased IL-12 Production

“…However, release of IL-10 blocks the DC maturation process by interfering with the up-regulation of costimulatory molecules and production of IL-12, subsequently limiting the ability of DCs to initiate a Th1 response (45,46). Cellular immunity is impaired by both acute and chronic alcohol use, leading to induction of Th2 responses (47). Our data suggest inhibition of Th1-type immune activation by alcohol-treated DCs that produced significantly lower amounts of IL-12 (p40/70) and resulted in reduced IFN-␥ production by T cells after coculture.…”