Profile of Cytokines and T Cell Subsets Transcription Factors in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Viral Encephalitis

Abstract

This study investigates the demographic, clinical characteristics, virological profiles, and immunological responses of patients with viral encephalitis (VE) compared with a control group. The VE group displayed a wide range of neurological symptoms. Virological analysis revealed the predominance of Herpesviridae family viruses. Immune responses in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with VE were examined, highlighting an immunological shift toward T helper 1 (Th1) cells dominance, altered T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cells (Th17/Tregs) balance, and high interleukin-6 expression. These findings provide insights into the complex immunological landscape of VE, highlighting the role of specific cytokines and T cell subsets in its pathogenesis and potentially guiding targeted therapeutic strategies.