Follicular helper T （TFH） cells represent a distinct subset of CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells specialized in providing help to B cells. They are characterized by their unique transcriptional profile （Bcl6）, surface m...Follicular helper T （TFH） cells represent a distinct subset of CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells specialized in providing help to B cells. They are characterized by their unique transcriptional profile （Bcl6）, surface marker expression （CXCR5, PD-1, ICOS and CD4OL） and cytokine production pattern （IL-21 and IL-6）. TFH cells provide help to B cells both to form germinal centers （GCs） and to differentiate into memory B cells and plasma cells for generation of humoral responses. However, there is emerging evidence that implicates TFH cells in the development of various human pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency and lymphoma. This review focuses on the current progress in this area including mouse and human studies. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms of TFH cell-mediated immunity and pathology may be exploited for rational development of therapeutic strategies. Cellular＆ Molecular Immunology（2012） 9, 380-385; doi：10.1038/cmi.2012.26; published online 13 August 2012展开更多
文摘Follicular helper T （TFH） cells represent a distinct subset of CD4＋ helper T （TH） cells specialized in providing help to B cells. They are characterized by their unique transcriptional profile （Bcl6）, surface marker expression （CXCR5, PD-1, ICOS and CD4OL） and cytokine production pattern （IL-21 and IL-6）. TFH cells provide help to B cells both to form germinal centers （GCs） and to differentiate into memory B cells and plasma cells for generation of humoral responses. However, there is emerging evidence that implicates TFH cells in the development of various human pathologies, such as autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency and lymphoma. This review focuses on the current progress in this area including mouse and human studies. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms of TFH cell-mediated immunity and pathology may be exploited for rational development of therapeutic strategies. Cellular＆ Molecular Immunology（2012） 9, 380-385; doi：10.1038/cmi.2012.26; published online 13 August 2012
