Help me help you: emerging concepts in T follicular helper cell differentiation, identity, and function
Sebastian A. Wellford, Pamela L. Schwartzberg
Abstract
Effective high-affinity, long-term humoral immunity requires T cell help provided by a subset of differentiated CD4+ T cells known as T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Classically, Tfh cells provide contact-dependent help for the generation of germinal centers (GCs) in secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). Recent studies have expanded the conventional definition of Tfh cells, revealing new functions, new descriptions of Tfh subsets, new factors regulating Tfh differentiation, and new roles outside of SLO GCs. Together, these data suggest that one Tfh is not equivalent to another, helping redefine our understanding of Tfh cells and their biology.
Topics & Concepts
Germinal centerBiologyImmunologyFunction (biology)Cellular differentiationFollicular phaseB cellCell biologyAntibodyGeneticsGeneImmune Cell Function and InteractionT-cell and B-cell ImmunologyCAR-T cell therapy research