Immune System Imbalance
(TH2 Dominance)

Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance): Overview

The quality of an individual's immune system can be evaluated through the balance of cytokines it is producing.  This increasingly popular classification method is referred to as the Th1/Th2 balance.  Interleukins and interferons are called "cytokines" which can be grouped into those secreted by Th1 type cells and those secreted by Th2 type cells.  Th1 cells promote cell-mediated immunity while Th2 cells induce humoral immunity.

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These two different methods exist by which the body fights infections.  While cellular immunity (Th1) directs Natural Killer T-cells and macrophages to attack abnormal cells and microorganisms at sites of infection inside the cells, humoral immunity (Th2) results in the production of antibodies used to neutralize foreign invaders and substances outside of the cells.

In many cases, an infection is fought with both arms of the immune system.  At other times predominantly one is needed to control an infection.  A healthy immune system is both balanced and dynamic: it should be balanced between Th1 and Th2 activity, switching back and forth between the two as needed.  This allows for a quick eradication of a threat and then a return to balance before responding to the next threat.  The inability to respond adequately with a Th1 response can result in chronic infection and cancer; an overactive Th2 response can contribute to allergies, various syndromes and play a role in autoimmune disease.  In end stage illnesses, both arms of the immune system fail.

Two mechanisms are at work contributing to the development of chronic diseases.

  • Pathogen defense mechanisms. When an immature immune cell is exposed to a virus, cancer, yeast, or intracellular bacteria (for example mycoplasma or chlamydia pneumonia), a Th1 response should be initiated.  Viruses, especially herpes viruses such as EBV, CMV or HHV6, make proteins that mimic a particular cytokine.  By this means the virus deceives the immune system into thinking that the threat is not coming from a virus.  The immune system counters with too little of a Th1 response, the virus remains concealed and the infection becomes active or chronic.  It is now thought that many, if not most, pathogens have this defensive ability.
  • Immune system imbalance. In the above example, the virus has increased its chances of survival by diverting an immune system which is out of balance.  It would have been able to respond more accurately if it were healthier.  Immune system health is influenced by how we eat and think, our exposure to chemicals and our genetic heritage.  In effect we are being judged as individuals for the poor lifestyle decisions we and our parents have made and as a society for not living in greater harmony with nature.

Th1 cells secrete INF-gamma and IL-2, which activate macrophages and cytotoxic T-cells to kill intracellular organisms; Type Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10, which help B cells to secrete protective antibodies.

A failure of the Th1 arm of the immune system and an overactive Th2 arm is implicated in a wide variety of chronic illnesses.  These include AIDS, CFS, candidiasis, multiple allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), viral hepatitis, gulf war illness, cancer and other illnesses.  If these two arms of the immune system could be balanced by stimulating Th1 and decreasing Th2, then many of the symptoms associated with these chronic illnesses would diminish or disappear and we would have found the answer to immune restoration and balance or the equivalent of a cure.

Treatment and Prevention

A possible line of therapy being investigated by the medical community is to reintroduce some of these cytokines to people who have severe immune deficiencies.  This approach can be tricky because large amounts of any particular cytokine can have serious side-effects.  Furthermore, their half-life in the body is usually relatively short and they are expensive.

One point to remember for general application with naturally occurring or synthetic immuno-modulators is that when they are taken continuously, at the same dose, they may become less effective.  The dose must vary so that the immune system does not reset itself to the old balance point.  Adjust the dose up and down as well as stopping use from time to time.

There are many natural agents available to help restore balance in an underactive Th1 arm. These include:

Omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats found in olive and hazelnut oils, vitamin A cod liver oil, l-Glutamine, Silica, digestive enzymes, friendly intestinal flora or soil based organisms (SBOs), ginseng (Red Korean or concentrated Siberian Ginseng extract), chlorella (spirulina and some other sea vegetables may have similar benefits), thyroid hormones, garlic (raw or aged extract), l-Glutathione (or products that raise levels), DHEA or AED (androstendiol), UV-A light, vitamin E, transfer factor (antigen specific) – protein immunomodulators extracted from colostrum, colostrum, low dose naltrexone, IP6, lentinian and certain other mushrooms, Thymus extracts, licorice root, dong quai, beta 1,3-glucan, noni, neem, gingko biloba, exercise, water (to aid detoxification), a positive attitude and prayer, the ability to forgive and be compassionate, and having long-term goals.

Factors that induce Th2 cytokines and suppress cell-mediated immunity. Processed, heated vegetable oils high in trans-fatty acids and linoleic acid (safflower, soy, canola, corn and sunflower), glucose (white sugar), asbestos, lead, mercury and other heavy metals, pesticides, air and water pollutants, progesterone, prednisone, morphine, tobacco, cortisol (in high doses), HIV, candida albicans, HCV, E coli and many other pathogens, continuous stress, thalidomide, UV-B light, pregnancy, melatonin (conflicting research suggests that high levels induce Th2 cytokines while very small amounts induce Th1 cytokines), alcohol (animals studies show that ethanol definitely suppresses Th1 cytokines and induces Th2; beer was not tested and there are some indications it may help), streptococcus thermophilis (sometimes found in yoghurt), candidiasis, circulating immune complexes (CICs – caused by a combination of leaky gut syndrome and poor digestion of proteins due to a lack or HCl and digestive enzymes), sedentary lifestyle, negative attitudes, low body temperature, acid saliva pH, chronic insomnia, inability to dream, weight lifting, and steroids (for muscle gain).

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance):

Symptoms - Allergy

Symptoms - Gas-Int - General

Symptoms - General

Conditions that suggest Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance):

Immunity

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

CFS patients are Th2 activated.  This means they over-respond to toxins, allergens, normal bacteria and parasites, and under-respond to viruses, yeast, cancer and intracellular bacteria.

Infections

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

Since cellular immunity is responsible for protection against the spreading of coccidioidomycosis, cellular immunity may be depressed in those who experience dissemination.  HIV, for example, greatly increases the risk of developing coccidioidomycosis.

Musculo-Skeletal

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A Mayo Clinic study found that the T-cells were 'worn out' in rheumatoid arthritis patients, who do not make new T-cells as readily as they should.

Tumors, Malignant

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Risk factors for Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance):

Immunity

HIV/AIDS

In HIV progression to AIDS, there is a shift from Th1 (cellular immunity) to the less effective Th2 (humoral immunity).

Nutrients

Symptoms - Allergy

Symptoms - Food - Beverages

Symptoms - Food - Intake

Symptoms - Immune System

Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance) can lead to:

Organ Health

Hepatitis

It has been suggested that an impaired TH1 immune response appears to favor chronicity of hepatitis C infections.  Whether impaired activity of the NK cells in chronic HCV infections is due to a dominance of TH2 lymphocytes remains to be seen.

Recommendations for Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance):

Amino Acid / Protein

L-Glutathione

Glutathione levels in antigen-presenting cells determine whether Th1 or Th2 response patterns predominate [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1998 Mar 17;95(6): pp.3071-6].  Increasing glutathione levels helps reduce a Th2 dominance.

Thymic Factors

Thymic factors highly refined or crudely extracted help balance a TH2 dominant immune system by increasing IL-2 and T cell counts.

Animal-derived

Colostrum / Transfer Factor

Transfer factor may help to rebalance a TH2 dominant Immune system.

Botanical / Herbal

MGN-3

MGN3, though a commercially prepared product, is a unique blend of mushroom extracts and rice bran.  It stimulates NK function and thus helps balance a TH2 dominant immune system.

Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko Biloba may reduce excess cortisol production.  Elevated cortisol levels have a suppressing effect on TH1 cytokines.

Garlic

Garlic, raw or aged extract, promotes TH1 cytokines to help balance the immune system.  Raw garlic can kill many kinds of fungus and bacteria.

Chlorella

Chlorella increases TH1 cytokines to help balance the immune system.  Other algae products may have similar benefits.

Noni

Noni promotes NK function and immunity against cancer.

Neem

Neem can help balance a TH2 dominant immune system.  It is also an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial herb.

Diet

Monounsaturated Oils

Oils such as olive, hazelnut, coconut can enhance TH1 cytokines which help balance the immune system.  The adult therapeutic dose may be in the range of 4 tablespoons daily.  Monounsaturated fats found in olive and hazelnut oils reduce TNF and increase IgA levels.

Digestive Aids

Digestive Enzyme (Trial)

Digestive enzymes improve digestion and assimilation of proteins and other nutrients, reduce circulating immune complexes that cause antibody and autoantibody formation.  Protein digestive enzymes are found naturally in fresh ginger root, raw pineapple and kiwi fruit.  Quality proteins support mucous membrane integrity.

Probiotics

The specific bacteria that help balance a TH2 dominant immune system are:

  • Lactobacillus Plantarum and L casei – potent inducers of IL-12 and IFN-gamma.  They support mucosal immunity.
  • Bifidobacterium longum – increases IgA (supports mucosal immunity) – reduces candida albicans – improves lactose tolerance.
  • Acidophilus – promotes resistance to colonization of candida albicans.

Soil Based Organisms (SBOs) (bacillus subtilis and licheniformis) produce surfactin that inactivates lipid envelope viruses (HIV, CMV, herpes etc), kills mycoplasmas, many bacteria and candida albicans.  By reducing candida albicans, SBOs reduce TH2 cytokines.

Drug

LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone

Low doses of Naltrexone can help reduce TH2 cytokines to assist in balancing the immune system.

Hormone

Thyroid Medications

Thyroxine (T4) found in Synthroid and desiccated thyroid is a thyroid hormone that increases TH1 cytokines to help balance the immune system.

(Sources: Am J Physiol 1997 Oct;273(4 Pt 1): pp.125-32 and J Immunol 1998 Jul 15;161(2): pp.843-9)

DHEA

DHEA increases TH1 cytokines which help balance the immune system.

Immunotherapy

Beta 1,3 Glucan

Beta 1, 3-glucan is commercially extracted and found in the common yeast.  It is also found in oats and oat or rye sprouts.  It stimulates macrophage and neutrophil function.

Mineral

Supplements

IP6 - Inositol Hexaphosphate

IP6 – found in brown rice and corn and extracted as a commercial product – promotes NK function and thus helps balance a TH2 dominant immune system.

Vitamins

Vitamin E

Vitamin E increases TH1 cytokines, which help balance a TH2 dominant immune system.

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