Bcl6-Mediated Transcriptional Regulation of Follicular Helper T cells (TFH). Issue 4 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Jinyong; Crotty, Shane
• Is Part Of: Trends in immunology. Volume 42:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 336
• Page End: 349
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: follicular helper T cells -- transcription factors -- Bcl6 -- gene expression -- cell differentiation -- germinal center; Immunology -- Periodicals; 571.96
• DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4906

Abstract

Abstract : Follicular helper T cells (TFH ) are essential B cell-help providers in the formation of germinal centers (GCs), affinity maturation of GC B cells, differentiation of high-affinity antibody-producing plasma cells, and production of memory B cells. The transcription factor (TF) B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) is at the center of gene regulation in TFH biology, including differentiation and function, but how Bcl6 does this, and what additional TFs contribute, remain complex questions. This review focuses on advances in our understanding of Bcl6-mediated gene regulation of TFH functions, and the modulation of TFH by other TFs. These advances may have important implications in deciphering how repressor TFs can regulate many immunological cell types. An improved understanding of TFH biology will likely provide insights into biomedically relevant diseases. Highlights: B cell help, afforded by T cells, is an essential process of adaptive immunity. The transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6), by serving as an apex of a repressor-of-repressors network, can provide further insights into follicular helper T cell (TFH ) regulation in mice and humans. Bcl6 is essential for TFH differentiation and harbors various significant activities, including inhibition of Prdm1 expression. We posit that Bcl6 can control non-TFH and TFH genes by at least two modes of action: direct repression and repression-of-repressor mechanisms.