T-Cell Differentiation to T Helper 9 Phenotype is Elevated by Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Via Induction of IL-2 Signaling.

Abstract

Owing to the development of information technology and the electronics industry, and the increase in the use of electronic products, an increasing number of people are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in daily life. There has been concern about the effects of EMFs on the human body. Th9 cells, which are characterized by the generation of interleukin-(IL-9), are a recently defined subset of T helper (Th) cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of extremely low-frequency (60 Hz) EMFs, such as those generated by household power sources, at 0.8 mT intensity on CD4 T cells. The exposure of CD4 T cells to such EMFs under Th9-polarizing conditions increased IL-9 secretion and gene expression of transcription factors that are important for Th9 development. The expression of GATA3 increased in the early stage, and the phosphorylation of STAT5 and STAT6, which regulate the expression of GATA3, increased. In addition, EMFs increased the expression of IL-2 by the T cells. In conclusion, the differentiation of CD4 T cells to the Th9 phenotype was increased by exposure to extremely low-frequency EMFs, and this appeared to be dependent on the IL-2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, co-cultures of EMF-exposed Th9 cells and mast cells showed an increased expression of mast cell proteases, FcεR1α, and mast cell-derived inflammatory cytokines compared with co-cultures of non-EMF-exposed Th9 cells and mast cells. Our results suggest that EMFs enhance the differentiation of CD4 T cells to the Th9 phenotype, resulting in mast cell activation and inflammation. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:588-601. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

CD4 T cells exposed to 60 Hz EMFs at 0.8 mT under Th9-polarizing conditions showed increased IL-9 secretion and increased expression of transcription factors important for Th9 development, with early increased GATA3 and increased STAT5/STAT6 phosphorylation. EMF exposure increased IL-2 expression, and the authors conclude Th9 differentiation was increased and appeared dependent on IL-2 signaling; co-culture of EMF-exposed Th9 cells with mast cells showed increased mast cell activation/inflammatory markers versus non-exposed Th9 co-cultures.

Outcomes measured

• Th9 differentiation
• IL-9 secretion
• IL-9 gene expression
• GATA3 expression
• STAT5 phosphorylation
• STAT6 phosphorylation
• IL-2 expression
• Mast cell activation markers (mast cell proteases, FcεR1α)
• Mast cell-derived inflammatory cytokines

Limitations

• In vitro study; findings may not translate to in vivo human health effects
• Exposure duration not reported in abstract
• Sample size not reported in abstract

Suggested hubs

• elf-emf (0.9)
  Study examines 60 Hz extremely low-frequency EMF exposure and immune cell responses in vitro.

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    "outcomes": [
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    "main_findings": "CD4 T cells exposed to 60 Hz EMFs at 0.8 mT under Th9-polarizing conditions showed increased IL-9 secretion and increased expression of transcription factors important for Th9 development, with early increased GATA3 and increased STAT5/STAT6 phosphorylation. EMF exposure increased IL-2 expression, and the authors conclude Th9 differentiation was increased and appeared dependent on IL-2 signaling; co-culture of EMF-exposed Th9 cells with mast cells showed increased mast cell activation/inflammatory markers versus non-exposed Th9 co-cultures.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "In vitro study; findings may not translate to in vivo human health effects",
        "Exposure duration not reported in abstract",
        "Sample size not reported in abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields",
        "ELF EMF",
        "60 Hz",
        "0.8 mT",
        "CD4 T cells",
        "Th9",
        "IL-9",
        "IL-2 signaling",
        "GATA3",
        "STAT5",
        "STAT6",
        "mast cells",
        "inflammation"
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