Follicular T‐helper cells: controlled localization and cellular interactions. Issue 1 (22nd October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qi, Hai; Chen, Xin; Chu, Coco; Lu, Peiwen; Xu, Heping; Yan, Jiacong
• Is Part Of: Immunology and cell biology. Volume 92:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2013-10-22
• Subjects: adhesion -- follicular helper T cells -- germinal centre -- immunological synapse -- intravital imaging migration -- SAP; Immunology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.59
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0818-9641

Abstract

Abstract : Affinity‐matured, isotype‐switched antibodies afford humoral protection against microbial infections. Cells capable of producing such antibodies are derived from the germinal center (GC) formed during a T‐dependent B‐cell response. Follicular T‐helper (TFH ) cells are a recently defined subset of CD4 T cells that are specialized in promoting the B‐cell response and GC reaction. These cells exhibit a CXCR5 + ICOS hi PD‐1 hi surface phenotype, express a high level of transcriptional repressor Bcl‐6 and possess a unique ability to reside in the GC. Insights into how TFH cells develop and function promise to refine our strategies toward more effective antibody‐based vaccines and therapies for humoral autoimmunity. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how TFH ‐associated molecules regulate dynamic localization and B‐cell‐interacting properties of these cells, as both aspects are at the core of being TFH cells. Abstract : The January 2014 issue contains a Special Feature on The Temporospatial Control of Tfh Cells . The reviews featured bring together an enormous amount of insight into Tfh biology: they demonstrate that we have a good understanding of Tfh differentiation and function, but that there is still more to be learned about the intriguing population of helper T cells specialised to help B cells. Furthermore, they outline how important this subset is in both health and disease, and demonstrate that furthering our knowledge of this subset will have implications for improving the efficacy of vaccination, the control of infection, the treatment of both autoimmunity and immunodeficiency and even understanding the outcome of a number of different types of cancer. Immunology and Cell Biology would like to thank the coordinators of this Special Feature – Di Yu and Michelle Linterman – for their planning and input. Further background information on this important topic is available through the accompanying web focus which links to related articles from across Nature Publishing Group.