Biological Properties
Normally a proportion of immature thymus-derived lymphocytes differentiate into mature CD-4+ T-cells which produce a number of cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon. CD-4 cells coordinate the overall immune response and help activate CD-8 T-lymphocytes, which attack viruses and tumor cells. CD-8+ T-lymphocytes are often called “effector” or “cytotoxic” T-cells, because they respond to intracellular pathogens and cancer cells. Under viral attack CD-4+ T-cells fail to mature, fail to produce IL-2 and gamma interferon, and consequently fail to coordinate CD-8 responses to viruses. Because LTCI increases the production of CD-4+ T-cells, this immunosuppression can be overcome by treatment.
Because of its action on CD4+ T-cells, LTCI also promotes hematopoiesis. It is hypothesized that CD4+ T-cells may regulate the production of all blood cell types in the bone marrow, including red blood cells, platelets, and granulocytes. A deficiency in CD-4+ T-cells thus could lead to the anemia observed in immune compromised subjects including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or viral or other chemically induced conditions.
In summary, the primary action of LTCI is directed toward the mature T lymphocyte production and activation, resulting in increased production of IL-2 and interferon in physiological amounts and ratios. These cytokines stimulate a cascade of events that enhance or potentiate both cell mediated immunity as well as antibody-mediated responses.
Read more about this topic: Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator
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