CD4~+ T helper lymphocytes and cytokines participates in the immune tolerance following liver transplantation / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the immune response of CD4~+ T helper lymphocytes (Th) and their cytokines following liver transplantation. DATA SOURCE A computer-based online search was conducted in Medline from January 1970 to December 2008, Wanfang Database from January 1998 to December 2008, and China Hospital Knowledge Database from January 1998 to December 2008 with the key words of "liver transplantation, rejection, immune Tolerance, T helper lymphocytes, Th1 cells, Th2 cells" in both Chinese and English. DATA SELECTION Articles about immune response of Th and their cytokines following liver transplantation were included, but reviews and duplicated studies were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A total of 36 relative articles about immune response of Th and their cytokines following liver transplantation (n=3), immune effect of Th and cytokines on liver transplantation (n=22), and relationship among Th, cytokines, and transplantation immunity (n=11) were included. RESULTS: T helper lymphocyte was of importance to regulate the immune response, with function of supporting body fluid and cellular immune. Th and their cytokines played a very important role in immune tolerance following liver transplantation. The ration of Th1/Th2 was correlated with the immune response following liver transplantation. The increased Th1 secretion might induce rejection of liver tissue. When the ration turned to Th2, the immune tolerance easily occurred. CONCLUSION: Up to now, the theory of relationship between Th1/Th2 ration and transplantation immunity is not used for clinical application. Therefore, how to determine the immune state of organism by detecting and regulating cytokines, adjust Th1/Th2 ration, and induce specific immunologic tolerance of host become hot topics in the future.