Clinical significance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with esophageal cancer

Objective To detect the level of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines of peripheral blood CD3+ T lymphocytes in the patients with esophageal cancer,and provide the laboratory evidence for the tumor immunotherapy. Methods The peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated by stimulator to enhance expression of cytokines. Specific fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibody combined with antigen. The cytokines were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA. Results The levels of Th1 type cytokines such as interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin-2(IL-2), interleukin-12(IL-12) in patients with esophageal cancer were significantly lower than those of normal controls. The level of Th2 type cytokines such as interleukin-4(IL-4), interleukin-10(IL-10) in patients with esophageal cancer were higher than those of normal controls, but not significant difference between them. Conclusions Th1/Th2 of T-lymphocytes is imbalance in esophageal cancer. Th1 type cytokines were inhibited, while Th2 type cytokines are relatively enhanced, so Th1/Th2 shift to Th2. It may be the mechanism of tumor arising and transferring by immune escaped from immunosurveillance.