Spatial and functional heterogeneity of follicular helper T cells in autoimmunity. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seth, Abhinav; Craft, Joe
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 61(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Highlights: Tfh cells drive isotype switch and affinity maturation of pathogenic autoantibodies. Tfh cell subsets acquire unique functional properties based on the cytokine milieu. T cells that help B cells localize to germinal centers or extrafollicular spaces. Tfh cells are therapeutic targets in autoimmune disease. Abstract : Follicular helper T cells provide signals that promote B cell development, proliferation, and production of affinity matured and appropriately isotype switched antibodies. In addition to their classical locations within B cell follicles and germinal centers therein, B cell helper T cells are also found in extrafollicular spaces – either in secondary lymphoid or non-lymphoid tissues. Both follicular and extrafollicular T helper cells drive autoantibody-mediated autoimmunity. Interfering with B cell help provided by T cells can ameliorate autoimmune disease in animal models and human patients. The next frontier in Tfh cell biology will be identification of Tfh cell-specific pathogenic changes in autoimmunity and exploiting them for therapeutic purposes.