Follicular T-helper cells: controlled localization and cellular interactions

Immunol Cell Biol. 2014 Jan;92(1):28-33. doi: 10.1038/icb.2013.59. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

Affinity-matured, isotype-switched antibodies afford humoral protection against microbial infections. Cells capable of producing such antibodies are derived from the germinal center (GC) formed during a T-dependent B-cell response. Follicular T-helper (TFH) cells are a recently defined subset of CD4 T cells that are specialized in promoting the B-cell response and GC reaction. These cells exhibit a CXCR5(+)ICOS(hi)PD-1(hi) surface phenotype, express a high level of transcriptional repressor Bcl-6 and possess a unique ability to reside in the GC. Insights into how TFH cells develop and function promise to refine our strategies toward more effective antibody-based vaccines and therapies for humoral autoimmunity. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how TFH-associated molecules regulate dynamic localization and B-cell-interacting properties of these cells, as both aspects are at the core of being TFH cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Germinal Center / cytology
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*