Features of cytokine signaling forming T-helper immune response in COPD of varying severity

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction — Currently, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health problem. However, molecular mechanisms of the development of this pathology are still poorly understood. The aim is to establish mechanisms of cytokine regulation of T-helper (Th) immune pathway in patients with COPD of varying severity. Material and Methods — The study included 112 patients with stable COPD (mild, moderate and severe grade) and 32 healthy volunteers (control group). We investigated serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A) and the percentage of circulating Th cells (CD4+) expressing membrane receptor to IL-6 (IL-6R or CD126+), using flow cytometry. The levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and IL-21 were detected by ELISA. The direction of immune response in COPD patients was determined depending on the prevalence of cytokines playing a crucial role in the formation of certain Th cells type (Th1, Th17). Results — Th1-associated cytokine profile was expressed at the initial stage of COPD; the Th17-associated cytokine profile begins to prevail at severe COPD. Among COPD patients with Th1-associated cytokine profile, a statistically significant increase in the number of CD4+CD126+ cells in comparison with the control group was identified only in severe COPD. In the group of COPD patients with Th17-associated cytokine profile, an increase in the number of CD4+CD126+ cells were observed at all severity stages of the pathology. Conclusion — Moderate and severe COPD are characterized by the predominance of Th17-associated cytokine profile leading to chronic inflammation. The increase in IL-6R expression levels in circulating CD4+ cells serves as the mechanism for enhancing Th17-associated response in COPD.</jats:p>

Clinical effect of aerobic exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A retrospective study

“…[32] Aerobic exercise training, which consumes oxygen and energy, can effectively improve diaphragm function and cardiopulmonary endurance, relieve respiratory muscle fatigue, and reduce inefficient ventilation, thereby improving lung function and reducing symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. [34,35] Although the pathogenesis of COPD has not been completely determined, a large number of studies have shown that [36][37][38] immune imbalance in patients with COPD is likely to mediate the expression of inflammatory factors and lead to an inflammatory response, which can lead to the aggravation and deterioration of COPD. It is worth noting that a large amount of CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltration can be seen in the peripheral airways of lung specimens in patients with COPD, which may be the target of potential intervention therapy.…”

“…Although the pathogenesis of COPD has not been completely determined, a large number of studies have shown that [ 36 – 38 ] immune imbalance in patients with COPD is likely to mediate the expression of inflammatory factors and lead to an inflammatory response, which can lead to the aggravation and deterioration of COPD. It is worth noting that a large amount of CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltration can be seen in the peripheral airways of lung specimens in patients with COPD, which may be the target of potential intervention therapy.…”

Role of Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Regulation of T-Helper Immune Response in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

“…However, our study included smokers and ex-smokers with COPD, and no patient with the predominant Th2 cytokine profile was identified. Accumulating evidence demonstrated that COPD progression is associated with the development of the Th17 immunoregulatory pathway and imbalance between Th17 and Treg cell subpopulations [ 11 – 13 , 42 , 43 ].…”