The functions of CD4 T-helper lymphocytes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2022 Jan 25;54(2):173-178. doi: 10.3724/abbs.2021009.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been increasingly accounted for global morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although it is partially reversible, the obstructive ventilatory schema of COPD often causes chronic inflammation that primarily affects peripheral airways, pulmonary parenchyma, and the development of lung lymphoid follicles. Among various T-helper (Th) cell types associated with COPD, Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell numbers are increased in COPD patients, whereas Treg cell number is reduced. Here, we reviewed recent advance in understanding the roles of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in the pathogenesis of COPD and discussed the potential underlying mechanism.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; inflammation; lymphocyte.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the grants from the Natural Science Fund of Shanxi Province (Nos. 201901D111186 and 201901D111190),Open Fund from Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, China (No. KLMEC/SXMU-202011), Shanxi ‘1331 Project’ Key Subjects Construction, China (No. 1331KSC), and the “136” Special Fund Project of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (No. 2021-07).