Th1/Th2 Ratio Information
Th1 is proinflammatory but necessary for immune function; Th2 counteracts Th1
Th1-type cytokines tend to produce the proinflammatory responses responsible for killing intracellular parasites and for perpetuating autoimmune responses. Excessive proinflammatory responses can lead to uncontrolled tissue damage, so there needs to be a mechanism to counteract this. In excess, Th2 responses will counteract the Th1 mediated microbicidal action. The optimal scenario would therefore seem to be that humans should produce a well balanced Th1 and Th2 response, suited to the immune challenge.
http://www.bmj.com/content/321/7258/424.1.full
Th1 boosts immune response; Th2 boosts antibody response; imbalance leads to autoimmune disorders
A classification that proves useful in clinical and experimental practice divides immunological cytokines into those that enhance cellular immune responses, type 1, and type 2, which favor antibody responses. A key focus of interest has been that cytokines in one of these two sub-sets tend to inhibit the effects of those in the other. Dysregulation of this tendency is under intensive study for its possible role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokine