Naive and memory CD4+ T cell subsets can contribute to the generation of human Tfh cells

CD4(+) T follicular helper cells (Tfh) promote B cell maturation and antibody production in secondary lymphoid organs. By using an innovative culture system based on splenocyte stimulation, we studied the dynamics of naive and memory CD4(+) T cells during the generation of a Tfh cell response. We found that both naive and memory CD4(+) T cells can acquire phenotypic and functional features of Tfh cells. Moreover, we show here that the transition of memory as well as naive CD4(+) T cells into the Tfh cell profile is supported by the expression of pro-Tfh genes, including transcription factors known to orchestrate Tfh cell development. Using this culture system, we provide pieces of evidence that HIV infection differentially alters these newly identified pathways of Tfh cell generation. Such diversity in pathways of Tfh cell generation offers a new framework for the understanding of Tfh cell responses in physiological and pathological contexts.

Automated summary

CD4(+) T follicular helper cells play a crucial role in B cell maturation and antibody production. This study investigates the dynamics of naive and memory CD4(+) T cells in the generation of Tfh cell response, and reveals that both types of cells can acquire Tfh cell characteristics. The expression of pro-Tfh genes supports the transition of memory and naive CD4(+) T cells into the Tfh cell profile. HIV infection differentially affects these pathways of Tfh cell generation, providing a new framework for understanding Tfh cell responses.