Increased intracellular T helper 1 proinflammatory cytokine production in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage and intraepithelial T cells of COPD subjects

摘要: The role of T cells in the pathophysiology chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not yet certain, although varying reports have shown increases helper 1 (Th1) and/or Th2 cytokines peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). No studies examined cytokine production by intraepithelial obtained bronchial brushing (BB). Intracellular analysis cell subsets from blood, BAL BB smoker ex-smoker COPD patients, patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids non-smoker control subjects was studied using multi-parameter flow cytometry. CD4 : CD8 inversion noted groups, controls smokers. There an increase intracellular CD8− Th1 proinflammatory some groups tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α BB. smokers compared with ex-smokers a decrease airways. negative correlation between forced expiratory volume s (FEV1) percentage producing TNF-α. exhibit systemic inflammation as evidenced increased cells, whereas showed localized response lung only. Systemic therapeutic targeting TNF-α may improve morbidity while prevent progressing to COPD.