Journal
IMMUNOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY
Volume 92, Issue 1, Pages 64-71Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.55
Keywords
human Tfh cells; immunodeficiency; autoimmunity; cancer; human
Categories
Funding
- NH&MRC of Australia
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The generation of protective antibodies by B cells following natural infection or vaccination requires 'help' from CD4(+) T cells. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are the specialized CD4(+) T cell subset that has evolved the appropriate mechanisms to induce the activation and differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin (Ig) secreting cells. As such, appropriate control of Tfh cell generation and function is essential to human health as overactivation is likely to result in autoimmunity, whereas underactivation is often associated with immunodeficiency. Furthermore, an understanding of the regulation of these cells may be invaluable to improved vaccine development strategies. Traditionally Tfh cells have been identified by their anatomical location in secondary lymphoid tissues, which has hindered the study of these cells in humans as access to these tissues is often not feasible. However, recent studies have identified the circulating counterparts to tissue Tfh cells and with this has come a wealth of knowledge gained from the study of these cells in human disease. Here we review some of the recent developments on the role of human Tfh cells in health and disease.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available