The development and function of follicular helper T cells in immune responses.
Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) have been referred as a lineage that provides a help for B cells to proliferate and undergo antibody affinity maturation in the germinal center. Evidence has supported that Tfh subset development, like other lineages, is dependent on microenvironment where a particular transcriptional program is initiated. It has been shown that Bcl-6 and IL-21 act as master regulators for the development and function of Tfh cells. Tfh dysregulation is involved in the development of autoimmune pathologies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The present review highlights the recent advances in the field of Tfh cells and focus on their development and function.
Organ Transplant Center, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Maogen
M
Chen
Zhiyong
Z
Guo
Weiqiang
W
Ju
Bernhard
B
Ryffel
Xiaoshun
X
He
Song Guo
SG
Zheng
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000098546:Interleukin-21
D007378:Interleukins; D000098546:Interleukin-21