Altered glucocorticoid regulation of the immune response in the chronic fatigue syndrome.
It is increasingly recognized that glucocortiocoids (GCs) can have subtle modulatory effects in immunoregulation rather than having generalized immunosuppressive effects. GCs suppress Th1 cells and cellular immunity, but may favor Th2 responses and humoral immunity. The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) appears to be associated with a disturbed HPA-axis. Moreover, CFS patients show several immunological changes suggestive of decreased cellular immunity. It is postulated herein that in CFS patients a decreased Th1/Th2 balance may be the result of selective effects of GC on the IL-10/IL-12 regulatory circuit.
Visser
J T
JT
TNO Prevention and Health, Division of Immunological and Infectious Diseases, P.O. Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, The Netherlands.
De Kloet
E R
ER
Nagelkerken
L
L
D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation
D005938:Glucocorticoids