Studies that explore the role of adaptive immunity and NcP
| Study and reference | Mechanism involved | NcP condition |
|---|---|---|
| T helper involvement | ||
| Guggino et al. [65] | Th activation with an increase of a pro-inflammatory state, in particular by TNF-alpha | FM patients |
| Dolcino et al. [66] | Th17 polarization, associated with higher levels of CD4+ T cells and of sTGF-beta, IL 6, IL 21 | FM patients |
| Koike et al. [68] | High CD4/CD8 ratio identified as an independent variable for pain development | Burning mouth syndrome patients |
| Quick et al. [69] | T helper polarization with increased expression of interferon-gamma and IL 17A | Mouse model of pelvic pain |
| Chen et al. [70] | Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells increase in the peripheral blood with augmented pro-inflammatory state | Male patient with pelvic pain |
| Lenert et al. [73] | Reduction of peripheral Th2-cells that was linked to sustained inflammation | Mice model of chronic muscle pain |
| Chen et al. [74] | Th1 hyper-expression that supports persisting inflammation with increased levels of interferon-gamma associated with reduced IL 10 | IBS patients |
| B cell involvement | ||
| Fineschi et al. [76] | Elevated B cell levels and a heightened interferon-pro-inflammatory signature | FM patients |
| Goebel et al. [77] | IgG against satellite glial cells, neurons, myelin fibers, macrophages, and endothelial cells induces sensory hypersensitivity | Mouse model of FM |
| Ryabkova et al. [80] | Autoantibodies against collagen, gastric, pulmonary cells, and beta 2 glycoprotein | Chronic fatigue syndrome patients |
| Cuhadar et al. [81] | Pathological auto-IgG transferring enhances hyperalgesia | Mouse model of CRPS |
| Ohman et al. [82] | Augmented expression of B cells, IgG, and the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 | IBS patients |
| Dunphy [83] | Auto-IgG against nucleolar autoantigen | Pelvic pain patients |
NcP: nociplastic pain; Th: T helper cells; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; FM: fibromyalgia; IL: interleukin; IgG: immunoglobulin G; CRPS: complex regional pain syndrome; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome