Autoimmune Balance (Th1/Th2)

T-helper cells (abbreviated as Th) are a vital part of the immune system. They are lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) that recognize foreign pathogens, or in the case of autoimmune disease, normal tissue. In response to this recognition, they produce cytokines, which are hormonal messenger proteins that are responsible for the biological effects of the immune system.

In some people with autoimmune disease, patterns showing a dominance to either the Th1 or Th2 pathway have been shown. Although there are exceptions, the following table shows the conditions that are most commonly associated with a Th1 or Th2 dominant state:

Th1 Dominant Conditions:              Th2 Dominate Conditions:

Type I diabetes                                             Lupus
Multiple sclerosis                                        Allergic Dermatitis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis                            Scleroderma
Grave’s Disease                                            Atopic Eczema
Crohn’s Disease                                           Sinusitis
Psoriasis                                                        Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Sjoren’s Syndrome                                      Asthma
Celiac Disease                                              Allergies
Lichen Planus                                              Cancer
Rheumatoid Arthritis                                 Ulcerative Colitis
Chronic viral infections                              Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

When the Th1 cells of the immune system are overactive, they can suppress the activity of Th2 and vice versa. This can be problematic because these two components of the immune system function in a delicately balanced relationship. In the case of autoimmune disease, imbalance can further the attack on healthy tissue, thereby worsening symptoms.