雌激素对CD4^+T细胞发育和功能的调节

Role of estrogen on CD4^+T-helper cells' development and function

雌激素为一组脂溶性的类固醇激素,对免疫系统有着重要的调节作用。CD4+T细胞是免疫系统的组成细胞之一,很多研究证明雌激素能影响CD4+T细胞的发育及功能。目前的研究认为:雌激素能减少双阳性T细胞的数量而引起胸腺萎缩,抑制CD4+T细胞在胸腺中的发育;低剂量的雌激素能促进Th1细胞的功能,高剂量的雌激素能促使Th1细胞向Th2细胞转化。虽然这些结果在各种自身免疫疾病中得到部分证实,但其确切的作用及其具体的机制尚待进一步研究与证实。

Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones which have an important role in regulation of the immune system.CD4＋T-helper cell is one of the immune cells.Researches have demonstrated that estrogens can regulate the development and function of CD4＋T-helper cell.Estrogens can cause the thymus atrophy and a drastic reduction in the double positive thymocyte subset.Low does of estrogen can enhance function of T-helper-1 cells.High does of estrogen can cause a shift from T-helper-1 to T-helper-2 cells.Though these findings can be partly confirmed in some autoimmune diseases,the accurate effects and the specific mechanisms are still remaining to be determined.