Figure 7: CEOs reduced T-bet, GATA3, ROR-γt and Foxp3 mRNA expression of spleen tissues and IFN-γ and IL-4 protein expressions of serum.

mRNA levels were assayed by real-time RT-PCR using the ΔCt method. GAPDH was used as loading controls for mRNA expressions. CEOs significantly reduced expression of the key transforming growth factors of Th1 (A), Th2 (B), Th17 (C) and Treg cells (D). Cytokine levels of serum were detected by ELISA. Mice IFN-γ (E) and IL-4 (F) protein expressions were decreased after CEOs administration. Data are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (**P < 0.01, *P < 0.05 versus the PM2.5 + saline group).