Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Yun, Anthony J.
• Lee, Patrick Y.

Titel

The link between T helper balance and lymphoproliferative disease

Ist Teil von

• Medical hypotheses, 2005, Vol.65 (3), p.587-590

Ort / Verlag

United States: Elsevier Ltd

Erscheinungsjahr

2005

Quelle

ScienceDirect

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Lymphoproliferative disorders comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms whose behaviors range from indolent to very aggressive. The increased incidence seen in the context of immunodeficiency provides evidence that the host immune system plays a vital role in their pathogenesis. We believe that T-helper (Th)-2 dominant states favor development of lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphoma, and conversely T-helper (Th)-1 immunity protects against lymphoproliferative disease. The age distribution of lymphomas favors childhood and post-reproductive senescence, suggesting that exposure to these periods of Th-2 bias constitutes a key risk factor for developing the disease. The tendency of lymphomas to arise in Th-2 biased locations such as mucosal interfaces, immunoprivileged sites, and regions of B-cell differentiation may likewise reflect a corresponding spatial predilection. Various clinical conditions or treatments that shift Th1/Th2 balance, including HIV infection, transplant-related immune suppression, and autoimmune disorders, can also influence the status of lymphoproliferative diseases.