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Immune balance may help guide what people eat or avoid, the supplements they take, and the types of exercise<\/a> they prefer. However, science only backs up some immune-centered approaches. When does the Th1\/Th2 theory hold and what does it mean for health? Read on to learn more about Th1 and Th2 dominance.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably heard something about the Th1 and Th2 response if you\u2019ve reached this article.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get some basics down first.<\/p>\n To start with, the human immune system is incredibly complex. We have many types of immune cells that are orchestrated by various factors–from our encounter with microbes, to our health status, genetics, mood, and more.<\/p>\n The Th1\/Th2 theory is one attempt at understanding immune regulation, and Th1 and Th2 cells are its key players. This theory dates back to studies on mouse immune cells in the 80s. However, it is still considered controversial and it\u2019s not without limitations and discrepancies<\/strong>. More large-scale human studies are needed to determine its validity [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to the Th1\/Th2 theory [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Some people claim that whether a person is Th1<\/a>– or Th2<\/a>-dominant makes a big difference. According to some, it might affect supplement, lifestyle, and diet<\/a> recommendations.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, though, we are lacking proper clinical trials to verify this stance. That means there\u2019s just not enough evidence to tailor supplements, lifestyle choices, and diet to a person\u2019s immune profile.<\/p>\n Additionally, people can\u2019t tell if they are Th1- or Th2-dominant based on symptoms or reactions to supplements.<\/p>\n Thus, if you think that you have an immune imbalance–possibly related to Th1 or Th2 overactivity–it\u2019s important to see your healthcare provider. He or she will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment.<\/p>\n Lastly, there are several gaps in the Th1\/Th2 theory. Scientists often speak about its inconsistencies and limitations. This doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s false but that it doesn\u2019t always hold.<\/p>\n The Th1\/Th2 theory states that overactivation of either the Th1 or the Th2 pattern can cause disease. Similarly, either pathway is thought to down-regulate the other [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n One of the reasons why an increase in one may <\/em>translate to a decrease of the other is because they differentiate from a progenitor or original cell and there\u2019s a limited number of these cells.<\/p>\n Based on this, some studies claim that most substances that decrease Th1 will increase Th2<\/a> and vice versa (decrease Th1 will increase Th2), but this isn\u2019t always the case.<\/p>\n Some nutrients–including long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)–seem to improve various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions without any specific Th1\/Th2 effect [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Often, it\u2019s uncertain whether a certain nutrient or intervention stimulates the Th1\/Th2 immune system or not.<\/p>\n Additionally, many diseases that were previously classified as Th1- or Th2-dominant failed to meet defined criteria. Plus, Th1 dominance can be polarized to Th2 patterns, and vice versa [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The main issue with the whole Th1\/Th2 theory, as some scientists have recently pointed out, is that the activity of cytokines and other immune messengers rarely fall into strict Th1 or Th2 patterns. Some cells, like non-helper regulatory T cells (Tregs<\/a>), may influence both Th1 and Th2 responses [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n So-called Th17 cells<\/a> were identified only recently and scientists think they can fill the missing gaps and explain some inconsistencies with the Th1\/Th2 theory [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Th cells are short for T helper cells. Scientists say that T helper cells are kind of like a symphony conductor. The conductor sends signals to the band and the musicians play the music. T helper cells send signals–or, more technically, release cytokines–that guide other immune cells that do the attacking.<\/p>\n In turned out that about a third of the progenitors \u2013 T helper cells \u2013 develop into Th17 cells, a third into Th1, and a third into Th2 cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n A naive T cell can either become an inflammatory Th17 cell or an anti-inflammatory Treg cell. According to some researchers, the goal in inflammation is to convert more Th17 cells to Treg cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, Th17 science is new and the findings so far have been inconclusive.<\/p>\n With all this in mind, let\u2019s now take a look at how much we know about Th1 and Th2 immune patterns.<\/p>\n Th1 cells are part of what\u2019s called cell-mediated immunity, which is an immune response that does not involve antibodies but does involve the release of various cytokines in response to foreign proteins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Th1 dominance has been linked with delayed-type hypersensitivity [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It\u2019s thought to be caused by the overstimulation of immune cells, commonly lymphocytes<\/a> (Natural killer cells<\/a>, T cells) and macrophages, potentially resulting in chronic inflammation [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Interferon-gamma<\/a> (IFNy) is considered to be the main cytokine in Th1 dominance. It inhibits the production of most IgG and IgE antibodies and increases the secretion of IgM [R,<\/a> R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Limited studies suggest that food processing may also matter, since cooking may alter proteins\/antigens. For example, there are less IgM antibodies to raw peanuts than cooked peanuts [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n There are also more IgM antibodies to fried chicken, canned tuna and fried salmon [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Anecdotally, some people claim they get more inflammation from canned tuna than from fresh tuna. But many other factors may come into play and no scientific studies attest to this effect.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also uncertain how cooking various foods affects the immune response.<\/p>\n The majority of studies covered in this section deal with associations only, which means that a cause-and-effect relationship hasn\u2019t been established<\/strong>. The same goes for the associations listed under the Th2 dominance section.<\/p>\n For example, just because fatigue has been linked with Th2 overactivity doesn\u2019t mean that fatigue is caused by Th1 dominance. Data are lacking to make such claims.<\/p>\n Also, even if a study did find that Th1 dominance contributes to fatigue, it\u2019s highly unlikely to be the only cause. Complex health issues like chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and others always involve multiple possible factors\u2013including body and brain chemistry, environment, health status, and genetics\u2013that may vary from one person to another.<\/p>\n The following have been associated with Th1 dominance in limited studies:<\/p>\n More human data are needed. Most of these associations remain insufficiency proven. <\/strong><\/p>\n Learn about factors that may balance an elevated Th1 system in this post<\/a>.<\/p>\n Trouble with inflammation and food intolerances without classical Th2-dominant symptoms have been anecdotally associated with Th1-dominance.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor to uncover the underlying cause and get an accurate diagnosis.<\/p>\n Immune defense–and Th1 dominance as one part of it–is shaped by a combination of genetics and environment. One of the factors in our environment that can affect immunity are infections.<\/p>\n Bacterial and most viral infections activate the Th1 system. But it\u2019s not as simple. More frequently, both Th1 and Th2 responses are required at different time points to get completely rid of the foreign invader–although Th1 may be more important [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Th1 responses are suggested to be lowest at 6 am, in sync with cortisol<\/a> peak [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some scientists hypothesize that interferon gamma is the major cytokine involved with Th1 dominant people [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to one theory, chronic, low-grade interferon gamma<\/a> (\u201cTh-1 type inflammation\u201d) might accelerate aging and aging-related health problems, based on lab animal research. Animal findings can\u2019t be applied to humans, though [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Nonetheless, interferon gamma is proposed to be a potential contributor to age-related psychiatric conditions (such as depression<\/a>, anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive impairment) and medical diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, and diabetes). Solid data are lacking to back this up [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some researchers think that having an elevated Th1 immune system may have some benefits, though clinical studies have yet to confirm whether this approach is helpful.<\/p>\n One theory states that people with Th1 dominance tend to get sick somewhat less than others because their immune system is on guard. There may be some truth to this. For example, the flu vaccine works in part by boosting Th1 activity [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, chronic stress will weaken the immune system regardless of Th1\/Th2 tendencies [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Scientists are also investigating whether the Th1-pathway can protect against cancer, though research is still in the early stages. The following mechanisms are an area of research [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n If Th1 cells and cytokines like interferon gamma and TNF scour the body for tumor cells and destroy them. Some have suggested that there is a trade-off with cancer and autoimmunity, but newer research suggests it\u2019s not nearly as simple. Some cancers like multiple myelomas are considered to be Th1 dominant [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The unproven generalization goes that the more active a person\u2019s immune system is, the more likely their body will destroy cancer cells before they start multiplying out of control. According to this view, a more active immune system is also more likely to mistake the body\u2019s own tissue as a foreign invader and attack it.<\/p>\n Still, experts agree that immune balance is important. Speak with your doctor about any immune imbalances you may have and follow their recommendations. Supplements and dietary changes can be a complementary approach.<\/p>\n Th2 cells are said to mediate the activation and maintenance of the “humoral” or antibody-mediated, immune response.<\/p>\n Popularly, Th2 dominance is considered an \u201canti-inflammatory profile\u201d because people with this profile are claimed to have lower levels of systemic inflammation. The negative effects of Th2 dominance are also said to be more benign than Th1 dominance. There\u2019s no proper data to back up these claims, though.<\/p>\n For example, some researchers regard allergy as a Th2-weighted imbalance–and allergic reactions are known to be inflammatory [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People with Th2 dominance may produce more antibodies and instant food allergies might be more likely to occur, according to limited data [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People with Th2 dominance, in general, do not necessarily have a \u201cweaker immune system.\u201d However, they may be better at fighting infections that take hold outside of cells (extracellular infections)–though the evidence is inconclusive [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The Th1\/Th2 theory states that the dominant cytokine in Th2 dominance is IL-4, which produces IgG1 and IgE but markedly inhibits IgM, IgG3, IgG2a, and IgG2b [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Th2 cells are produced by IL-2 and IL-4 and they give off IL-4, IL-5, IL-6<\/a>, IL-10<\/a>, and IL-13 (see picture above).<\/p>\n It\u2019s still unknown how various food items might influence Th2 activity.<\/p>\n One study found food processing has an effect on IgE levels. Raw eggs, raw peanuts, and raw pecans didn\u2019t raise IgE antibodies as much as cooked eggs. The authors suggested that Th2 dominant people might do better with raw eggs, raw peanuts, and raw pecans, at least in one respect. However, these findings need to be replicated in larger trials [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Remember that these studies deal with associations only, which means that a cause-and-effect relationship hasn\u2019t been established.<\/p>\n Even if a study did find that Th2 dominance contributes to allergies, it\u2019s highly unlikely to be the only cause. Complex health issues like allergies always involve multiple possible factors\u2013including body and brain chemistry, environment, health status, and genetics\u2013that may vary from one person to another.<\/p>\n The following have been associated with Th2 dominance in limited studies [R<\/a>]:<\/p>\n Learn about factors that may help rebalance an elevated Th2 system here.<\/a><\/p>\n Types 1, 2, and 3 hypersensitivities are thought to be caused by Th2 dominance, though some findings have been mixed [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some effects are hypothesized to stem from the main Th2 cytokine, IL-4, and IgE antibodies. These are claimed to stimulate mast cells to release histamine, serotonin, and leukotriene to cause airway constriction and intestinal peristalsis. However, these pathways have only been investigated in animals. Human data are sparse [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n According to limited studies, Th2 dominance has also been linked with parasite or helminth infections. Parasites are not the only trigger of the Th2 response, though [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Scientists are also investigating whether acute bouts of Th2 immunity can protect against cancer, while chronic elevations have been linked with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The link between Th2 and cancer is highly uncertain, though, and it remains unproven [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Remember, it\u2019s fully possible to have both Th1 and Th2 elevations [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The Th2 immune system is considered to be an anti-inflammatory profile, but evidence goes against this claim. Many allergic diseases that have been linked with Th2 activity are inflammatory, while several autoimmune diseases show mixed Th1\/Th2 patterns [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some say that a major shift to the Th2 system can be problematic precisely because of allergies.<\/p>\n Additionally, studies indicate that pregnancy is a Th2 state. Scientists think that lower Th1 activity is part of the adaptive physiological response that women go through in pregnancy [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n This is said to prevent the mother\u2019s antibodies from mounting an attack against the fetus. It\u2019s also thought to explain why women are more prone to infections during pregnancy. Many women with rheumatoid arthritis \u2013 typically seen as a Th1 disease \u2013 experience relapses after pregnancy [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It may also seem odd why Th2 dominant people have increased stomach acidity. According to one unverified theory, gastric fluid acidification may be a way for the body to expel parasite–a response that may have served an important purpose in our evolutionary history [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Since parasites activate Th2 immunity, this is possible. However, it hasn\u2019t been proven in proper human studies [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Some researchers have proposed that a Th1-dominant state lowers methylation of certain genes. This hasn\u2019t been proven [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Poor methylation<\/a> may have a ripple effect throughout the immune system [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In both Th1 and Th2 dominance, some genes are suspected to be over-methylated and some under-methylated. The exact genetic pathways that are affected and their health implications are still unknown.<\/p>\n Even so, some people take TMG, SAM-e<\/a>, and B-vitamins to support methylation and immune balance. Evidence is currently lacking to back them up.<\/p>\n<\/a>Are You Th1 or Th2 Dominant?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Understanding the Basics<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Anecdotal Claims<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Inconsistencies & Limitations<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>New Research<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Th1 Dominance<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Does Food Affect it?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Associations<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Checking for Imbalances<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Are there Benefits to an Elevated Th1 System?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Th2 Dominance<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Does Food Affect it?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Associations<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>Are There Benefits to it?<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Th1\/Th2 Dominance and Methylation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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