Tc1 cells have a detrimental role and Tc2 cells have a protective role in COPD disease progression

Tc1 cells are a subpopulation of CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cells characterized by a specific pattern of secreted factors. Like Th1 cells, Tc1 cells secrete IFN-gamma but no IL4, which distinguishes them from another subpopulation, Tc2 cells.

Tc2 cells are a subpopulation of CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cells. Like Th2 cells, Tc2 cells secrete IL4 but do not produce IFN-gamma, which distinguishes them from another subpopulation, Tc1 cells.

Tc1/Tc2 imbalances are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In this study, 31 patients with COPD and 30 healthy controls underwent blood tests, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement, pulmonary function tests, and sputum induction.

There was an increased proportion of IFN-gamma-producing and IL-4-producing CD8+ T cells in patients with COPD.

The proportion of IFN-gamma-producing CD4+ T cells was higher in patients with COPD.

The results suggested that Tc1 cells have a detrimental role and that Tc2 cells have a protective role in disease COPD progression.

References:
Correlation between Peripheral Blood T-cell Profiles and Clinical and Inflammatory Parameters in Stable COPD. Shirai T, Suda T, Inui N, Chida K. Allergol Int. 2009 Dec 25;59(1). [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20035145
Tc1 cells. Horst Ibelgaufts' COPE: Cytokines & Cells Online Pathfinder Encyclopaedia.
Image source: Enlarged view of lung tissue showing the difference between healthy lung and COPD, Wikipedia, public domain.