Recurrent Tonsillitis Tfh Cells Acquire a Killer Identity

Trends Immunol. 2019 May;40(5):377-379. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2019.03.007. Epub 2019 Apr 4.

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection causes recurrent tonsillitis (RT) in some individuals. A recent study (Dan et al. Sci. Transl. Med. 2019;11:eaau3776) demonstrates that RT is associated with an impaired antibody response against a key streptococcal virulence factor. This factor, SpeA, can induce abnormal T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that are able to kill B cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Humans
  • Streptococcus
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer*
  • Tonsillitis*