Follicular B helper T cells

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Follicular helper T cells (also known as T follicular helper cells and abbreviated as TFH), are

B cells mutating their Ig genes. Within germinal centers, TFH cells play a critical role in mediating the selection and survival of B cells that go on to differentiate either into long-lived plasma cells capable of producing high affinity antibodies against foreign antigen, or germinal center-dependent memory B cells capable of quick immune re-activation in the future if ever the same antigen is re-encountered.[4] TFH cells are also thought to facilitate negative selection of potentially autoimmune-causing mutated B cells in the germinal center. However, the biomechanisms by which TFH cells mediate germinal center tolerance
are yet to be fully understood.

It is possible that TFH cells might arise as branches in the Th1 and Th2 differentiation pathways but their precise lineage relationship to the other effector CD4+ T cell subsets is still uncertain. Studies have however shown that TFH have distinct gene expression profiles, supporting the theory that TFH are a subset of CD4+ T cells distinct from

Th-2, Th-17 or Tregs.[5][6]

The function of TFH cells.
A subset of naive T cells in the T cell zone are activated by antigen and migrate to the follicles where they differentiate into TFH cells that interact with and instruct Follicular B (Fo B) cells to undergo isotype switching, somatic hypermutation, and rapid cellular division to seed germinal centers (GC). Within these germinal centers, TFH cells continue to provide help to GC B cells to facilitate their production of high affinity antibody producing plasma cells (PC) and long-lived memory (Mem) B cells.

Biomolecular characterization

The inducible T-cell co-stimulator (CD278 or ICOS) is proven to provide a particularly critical signal for TFH cells since experimental mice deficient in ICOS are unable to develop any TFH.[7] Additionally, it has been shown that ICOS induces the secretion of IL-21 cytokine by activated CD4+ T cells and that IL-21 plays a crucial role in the development of TFH cells and germinal centers.[8][9] Also Bcl-6 is a transcription factor identified in TFH cells, but it may have roles that extend beyond this subset, because it has also been implicated in memory CD8+ T cell development.[10]

In germinal centers, antigen-experienced TFH cells rapidly upregulate the expression of CD40L, which binds and stimulates the B cell surface receptor CD40.

activation-induced (cytidine) deaminase).[12] AID expression (encoded by the AICDA gene) causes B cell antibodies to class switch from IgM/IgD to other antibody isotypes and drives somatic hypermutation
during clonal proliferation. The switched antibodies acquire better effector functions, and hypermutated antibody shows greater affinity for antigen.

Classes of TFH cells

TFH cells formed early in the nascent stages of a germinal center reaction are formally called pre-TFH cells. They are uniquely found predominantly at the border of the T cell zone that merges with the B cell follicles and germinal centers. Pre-TFH cells are functionally very similar to other TFH cells in facilitating germinal center B cell reactions; however, they are also capable of driving follicular B cell development adjacent to and outside of germinal centers to produce quickly responsive but non-durable plasma cell-driven antibody responses (known as the extrafollicular response).

Those TFH cells specifically residing within a mature germinal center are sometimes referred to as GC TFH cells (for germinal center TFH cells) to distinguish them from pre-TFH cells.

Foxp3, encoding for a transcription factor. This small discrete sub-population of cells, called TFR cells (for T Follicular Regulatory cells), is important in helping to control and limit the magnitude of normal germinal center responses such that they avoid the potential to produce abnormally mutated or self-reactive autoimmune-associated antibodies.[15]
Therefore, TFR cells are a uniquely inhibitory influence during a germinal center reaction.

While TFH cells are found primarily in the secondary lymphoid organs, a small proportion circulate in the blood and are termed "peripheral" T follicular helper cells (pTFH). These cells can be identified by their expression of IL-21 upon stimulation.[16]

Medical relevance

Generating lasting immune memory

TFH cells are considered an indispensable T cell subset in the generation and maintenance of

immunity. In a Bangladeshi population study of patients infected with Vibrio cholerae and healthy human volunteers administered with an existing cholera vaccine,[17]
a memory TFH response specifically against cholera antigen had correlated with further antibody production by B cells.

Controlling age-related immune decline

With normal aging comes a gradual diminishing of the body's immune system. This phenomenon called

CD40L levels on the cell surface of TFH cells in the aged.[19]

Avoiding autoimmunity

Unchecked or overactive TFH cell immune responses have the potential to mount unwarranted germinal centers, composed of aberrantly mutated

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren syndrome.[20]
However, scientific evidence suggesting TFH cells can definitively cause autoimmunity in humans remains incomplete.

References

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