A T cell is a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) which plays a central role in protecting health by orchestrating the immune system to deal with dangerous foreign antigens, such as infections.
T cells are grouped into subsets based on their function. CD4+ T Helper cells are a subset that activate other immune cells. CD4+T helper cells are critical for homeostasis and host defence, but are also central to developing Autoimmunity, allergy and chronic inflammation if they become dysregulated.
The T Helper subsets
The immune system decides which type of immune cells are required depending on the threat. T Helper cells produce molecules (cytokines & interleukins) that send signals to the immune system on how to respond. It is important for a healthy immune system to be balanced with it's T Helper cell response, switching back and forth as required. If the immune system becomes stuck in one response i.e. dominance, Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases may develop. The main subsets:
Th1 cells promote cell-mediated immune responses against intracellular infections by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Generally, the cytokines secreted by Th1 cells (eg. IFN-gamma, IL2) are considered pro-inflammatory. Without an adequate Th1 response, infections cannot be eliminated, while an exaggerated Th1 maybe inflammatory and cause tissue damage. Quite often patients with exaggerated Th1 say 'I never get sick'.
Th2 cells promote humoral (antibody-mediated) immune responses against extracellular infections by bacteria, allergens, toxins, helminths and other parasites. The cytokines secreted by Th2 cells (eg. IL4, IL13) promote allergic immune responses (IgE) and therefore Th2 cells have been implicated in allergic inflammatory disorders especially in hollow spaces such as lungs, sinus, gut. A patient who is 'always getting ill, has allergies and mucosal issues' maybe Th2 dominant.
Th17 cells and their cytokines (eg. IL17A, IL6) promote inflammatory responses and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In normal conditions, Th17 cells are important in the immune response against fungi, gram-negative bacteria, and intracellular pathogens. Dysregulation of Th17 cells however, can be destructive and therefore it is important to ensure they are balanced
T Regulatory cells (Treg) and their cytokines (eg. IL10, TGF-beta) are responsible for suppressing and regulating immune responses to limit tissue damage.
Studies have suggested certain Autoimmune conditions to be either Th1 dominant such as: Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's and Psoriasis. Or Th2 dominant such as Systemic Sclerosis, Ulcerative colitis, Asthma, Eczema and Lupus. However, Th17, Th1 and Th2 can co-exist in one individual and can fluctuate over time. Therefore understanding a patients underlying mechanisms, history, lab tests and symptoms is important when assessing which way their immune system is currently balanced.
(Other T helper cells not discussed here include - Th9, Th22, Tfh).
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Balancing T Helper Cells naturally
T helper cells may be considered an effective therapeutic target for managing autoimmune diseases. There is growing research in the use of natural methods to balance T cell responses, which can mostly be used along with pharmaceutical treatments to manage Autoimmune flares. The following have been found to have strong immune-modulating properties:
Compounds that modulate Th17 for Autoimmunity:
Berberine
Resveratrol
Curcumin
Sulforaphane
Vitamin D
Baicalin
Omega 3 (EPA/DHA)
Glutathione
Compounds that modulate Tregs for immune tolerance & balancing Th17:
Vitamin D
Omega 3 (EPA/DHA)
Curcumin
Resveratrol
Black ginger
Compounds that stimulate Th1 (and therefore dampen Th2 dominance):
Astralagus
Echinacea
Lemon balm
Mushrooms
Berberine
Baicalin
Sulforaphane
Ginger
Ginseng
Resveratrol (modulates)
Zinc
Glutathione
Vitamin C
Glycyrrhiza (from liquorice)
Perilla (reduces Th2)
Compounds that stimulate Th2 (and downregulate Th1 dominance):
Green Tea
Curcumin (modulates)
Quercetin (modulates)
Resveratrol (modulates)
Grapeseed extract
Pine bark extract
Antioxidants in berries
Caffeine
Pycnogenol
Lycopene
Genistein
In addition, many environmental & lifestyle factors can impact your T Helper cell balance such as stress, exercise, sleep, pollution, toxins, traumatic brain injuries, gut issues, histamine, blood sugar dysregulation, hormones, mould and steroids.
If you have Autoimmunity, it is important to work with an experienced practitioner that can help you analyse which way your immune system is currently balanced before making any changes. You can feel worse if not done properly. For example, if you are Th2 dominant and you drink lots of green tea, you maybe making your Th2 symptoms worse. Alternatively, if you are Th1 dominant and you take echinacea for a cold, you may be making your Autoimmunity worse.
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