title: Tfh cell differentiation and their function in promoting B-cell responses.
abstract: Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) are a newly defined helper T-cell subset that is specialized in facilitating B-cell responses. These cells have a unique tissue localization pattern and a distinct transcriptional program suited for the B-cell helper function. Co-opting of the follicular program affords regulatory T cells, NK T cells, and γδ T cells with opportunities to participate in the regulation of humoral immunity. Abnormal Tfh development and function can lead to immunodeficiencies, autoimmune inflammation, and tumors. Detailed understanding of Tfh cell differentiation and function in animal models and the human system promises better strategies toward vaccine development and therapies for inflammatory diseases.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Dynamic Immunobiology, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, People's Republic of China, qihai@biomed.tsinghua.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Hai
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Coco
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Weiwei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Yifeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Longyan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Hu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Jiacong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051560:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C084103:BCL6 protein, human; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051560:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6