COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 684
The intricate balance between lymphocyte subpopulations plays
a fundamental role in health maintenance, with imbalances
strongly associated with various pathological states [85, 86]:
TH1/TH2 Balance
The balance between TH1 and TH2 responses represents one of
the most critical regulatory systems in adaptive immunity [87, 88]:
TH1 Dominance
Associated with cell-mediated autoimmunity, chronic
inflammation, and enhanced antiviral/antibacterial/anticancer
responses [89, 90]
TH2 Dominance
Associated with allergic conditions, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and
impaired defense against intracellular pathogens [91, 92]
Balanced TH1/TH2 Response
Essential for appropriate immune function without excessive
inflammation or autoimmunity [93, 94]
Immune Cell Deficiencies
Inadequate numbers or function of specific immune cells can
compromise host defense mechanisms [95, 96]:
CD4+ T-cell Deficiency
Impaired coordination of immune responses and increased
susceptibility to opportunistic infections [97, 98]
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