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In This Pandemic Time, People Try To Support Their Immune
Question: In this pandemic time, people try to support their immune systems and cope with stress by taking supplemental vitamins and herbs. My concern is for people who have autoimmune diseases. Some of these so-called “immune boosting” supplements have been shown in studies to increase the Th1, Th2, or Th17 subsets, which have a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. At the same time, different herbs and antioxidants (such as Vitamin C) demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines and pathways associated with Th1 and Th17. (Vitamin C has also been shown to promote conversion and persistence of Tregs.) Does an inhibitory effect negate the effect of proliferation of problematic Th-cell populations? How long do these cell populations persist? Beyond pathogenesis, do these Th subpopulations play an ongoing role in the destruction of tissue in ways other than the effects of their associated cytokines? What advice would you give patients with autoimmune diseases about using herbs and other supplements with known immunomoduolatory effects that coincide with their disease?
Brief Answer:
studies are in experimental phases
Detailed Answer:
hi
the th1, th2 and th 17 are the responses of the adaptive immune system. This system responds to pathogenic antigens immediately as well as produces some cells which produce long lasting immunity, They stay in a dormant state and get activated on exposure to the antigen again. th0 cells differentiate to th1,2or 17 depending on the cytokines they are exposed to. genereally th1 supports cell mediated immune response and th2 causes humoral immune response.
Immunomodulatory herbs and supplements may actually have adverse affects on people with autoimmune diseases. it has been known that some of these herbs may actually have immune inhibitory effects akin to cyclosporine in transplant patients.
T XXXXXXX are cells which actually control autoimmunity . these may be considered regulators of immunity. there have also been studies where herbs may have an effect in enhancing the effect of t XXXXXXX theraby regulating autoimmunity.
herbal supplements may also change the balance of the th1 and th2 response thereby reducing autoimmunity. they may also reduce the th17 response to an advantage.
however most of thses studies are in experimental phases or not completely proven , to let us prescribe them with certainity as literature shows studies with both positive and negative effects of these immunomodulatory herbs and supplements.
studies are in experimental phases
Detailed Answer:
hi
the th1, th2 and th 17 are the responses of the adaptive immune system. This system responds to pathogenic antigens immediately as well as produces some cells which produce long lasting immunity, They stay in a dormant state and get activated on exposure to the antigen again. th0 cells differentiate to th1,2or 17 depending on the cytokines they are exposed to. genereally th1 supports cell mediated immune response and th2 causes humoral immune response.
Immunomodulatory herbs and supplements may actually have adverse affects on people with autoimmune diseases. it has been known that some of these herbs may actually have immune inhibitory effects akin to cyclosporine in transplant patients.
T XXXXXXX are cells which actually control autoimmunity . these may be considered regulators of immunity. there have also been studies where herbs may have an effect in enhancing the effect of t XXXXXXX theraby regulating autoimmunity.
herbal supplements may also change the balance of the th1 and th2 response thereby reducing autoimmunity. they may also reduce the th17 response to an advantage.
however most of thses studies are in experimental phases or not completely proven , to let us prescribe them with certainity as literature shows studies with both positive and negative effects of these immunomodulatory herbs and supplements.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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