Th1/Th2 balance in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

The activation of a pro-inflammatory cascade after infection, major surgery, burn or trauma appears to be important in the development of subsequent immune dysfunction, susceptibility to sepsis and multiple organ failure. It is well known that T-cell plays a critical role in the systemic response to infection. Distinct patterns of cytokines are produced by two different types of T-helper cells (Th). Th1 lymphocytes produce IFN-gamma and IL-2, favoring cell mediated immunity; Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, favoring humoral immunity. Cytokines produced in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) may effect Th subset predominance and subsequent immune responses. We measured Thl/Th2 balance in patients with severe sepsis, SIRS patients with non sepsis, and healthy subjects by flow cytometry. In patients with severe sepsis, Th2 antibody mediated (humoral) immune responses predominate. We believe that severe sepsis clearly induce polarization of T-helper lymphocyte activity with a clear shift in Th2 direction. This type of response may lead immunosuppression. Modulation of Th cell subset predominance may present a novel therapeutic option in the treatment of severe sepsis.