Modulating the immune system is the new frontier of natural healthcare. The immune system is an intelligent and complicated system that uses inflammation to communicate and destroy pathogens. Commonly, the immune system is thought of as a singular process, either too weak or too strong to be enhanced or mitigated. However, the newest research delves into how to control the specific maturation process for different divisions of the immune system. Gone are the days of blanket “immune boosting” supplements and green drinks. Now, we have to realize which nutritional compounds, lifestyle factors, and foods steer individual inflammatory processes and how to control those markers on a more precise basis.
The immune system is a complex mix of cells with different roles. Inflammation, a trendy buzzword, is an amalgam of chemical processes all managed by the immune system. Inflammation can be good when it repairs tissue and keeps away dangerous intruders. But, when the balance of the immune system goes unchecked the chronic, low-grade, persistent inflammation incites degenerative diseases[1]. The job of the immune system is to keep the body healthy and to fight foreign invaders and has evolved different ways to do so. When exposed to a new pathogen, or intruder, be it bacterial, viral, parasitic, spirochete, etc., these cells have to learn how to read and then destroy the new enemy. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the intricacies and differences of Th1 and Th2 immunity and how if these two systems are left unopposed, serious complications can arise.
To simplify, Th1 cells fight and destroy small bugs. They are constantly on surveillance of the body to destroy little guys. They are activated through the presence of bacteria and viruses inside other cells[2]. Th1 cells alert other cells to phagocytize, or to completely engulf and eat, cells infected with bacteria and viruses. Th1 cells also secrete Tumor Necrosis Factor and therefore Th1 immunity is particularly helpful in fighting not only infections but also cancers.[3]
Th2 cells help to tag and fight bigger things outside of the cells like parasites,[4] can aide in the mediation of tissue repair, and conducts the antibody system.[3] Antibodies are a way in which the immune system marks to destroy a specific antigen, or intruder. The antibody fits like a key into a lock when it finds its specific protein, or antigen, and marks the antigen to be destroyed. This process can manifest as a classic anaphylactic response or as the chronically inflamed individual that is sensitive or “allergic” to everything they encounter. Unfortunately, antibodies can be formed to any antigen that the body deems as foreign. Antibodies can be helpful if formed against an antigen like the measles virus. But, can cause chronic inflammation if formed against things like food or environmental toxins and will lead to autoimmunity if formed against self-tissue.
The optimal state is that your body is able to move freely between a Th1 environment to a Th2 environment. Both are necessary to fight infections in different ways. However, when one system becomes excessively or chronically activated it inhibits the other,[5] and the body can spiral into a constant Th1 dominant environment or Th2 dominant environment.
When one system gets locked into dominance, it can escalate into more serious health concerns. A Th2 dominant patient displays chronic allergies, asthma, always coming down with a cold, and easily develops new food sensitivities. Th2 dominance puts the antibody system on overdrive. Since that immune system is set at hypersensitive mode, every thing that comes into the body is seen as a foreign invader: food, environmental irritants, or allergens. As these triggers enter the body during Th2 dominance, the immune system is primed to make antibodies causing chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory cytokine (chemical signaling molecule) rich environment can influence the immune system to start attacking its own body tissue resulting in an autoimmune disorder.[6] The body has now effectively used its own antibody system against itself and developed antibodies to its own tissue. At this point, an elimination diet or removal of the environmental triggers will not help to quell the inflammatory storm. The key is to focus on regulating the Th2 system and the associated inflammatory cytokines.
The key is to modulate the immune system. One should have a flexible immune system to be able to move from a Th1 to a Th2 to match whatever fight it has ahead. Everyone has genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that push toward a Th1 or Th2 dominance. However, if one system becomes too strong and actively inhibits the other the full use of your immune system is paralyzed. The person who never gets sick typically has a strong Th1 system that fights bacteria and viruses inside the cell. But, an overactive Th1 system leads to an underactive Th2 system. Without the proper use of the Th2 system parasite destruction, tissue repair, and the utilization of the antibody antigen system will be hindered. However, an overactive Th2 system can lead to asthma, allergies, a hypersensitivity to foods, constant cold or flu diagnoses and therefore overuse of antibiotics, and perhaps even the development of an autoimmune prone environment.
Inflammation in and of itself is a neutral process. The body is constantly under siege from foreign invaders and we need the immune system and some inflammation to keep the host alive. Ideally pathogens are efficiently destroyed and the inflammation is effectively resolved after each battle. Chronic, un-resolved inflammation is the hallmark of many diseases. The Th1 and Th2 systems need to be in harmony. Bolstering the immune system as a whole is not sufficient. Food choices, lifestyle, selections of herbs, botanicals, vitamins, smoothies, and even probiotics all have specific influences on the development and maintenance of the Th1/Th2 immune system. It is not enough to say that the immune system is compromised and it needs aid. It is imperative to look deeper and find where the system is going awry and what specifically will inhibit or enhance either a Th1 or Th2 dominance or deficiency.
[1] Franceschi Claudio, and Judith Campisi. “Chronic Inflammation (Inflammaging) and Its Potential Contribution to Age-Associated Diseases.” The Journals of Gerontology. 69(2014): S4-S9. PubMed. Tues. 11 Feb. 2019.
[2] Romagnani S. “Th1/Th2 Cells.” Inflamm Bowel Dis. 4(1999): 285-94. Pubmed. Web. 6 Feb. 2019.
[3] Kaiko, Gerard E et al. “Immunological Decision-Making: How Does The Immune System Decide To Mount a Helper T-cell Response?” Immunology. 123,3 (2008): 326-38. Pubmed. Web. 6 Feb 2019.
[4] Walker, Jenifer A., and Andrew N.J. Mckenzie. “Th2 Cell Development and Function.” Nature Reviews Immunology. 18(2018): 121-133. Nature. Web. 6 Feb. 2019.
[5] Perkel, Jeffrey. “Distinguishing Th1 & Th2 Cells.” TheScientist, LabX Media Group, 14 May 2001, https://www.the-scientist.com/technology-profile/distinguishing-th1-and-th2-cells-54709.
[6] Moudgil, Kamal D and Divaker Choubey. “Cytokines In Autoimmunity: Role In Induction, Regulation, and Treatment.” Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research: The Official Journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research. vol. 31,10 (2011): 695-703. Pubmed. Tues. 11 Feb. 2019.