T follicular helper cell subsets: a potential key player in autoimmunity

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are one of CD4+ helper T subsets which promote B cell maturation, activation and antigen-specific antibody production. Autoantibodies are hallmarks of autoimmune diseases, and crucial contributions of Tfh cells in development of these diseases are now evident. Deregulation of Tfh activities can contribute to a pathogenic autoantibody production and can play an important role in the promotion of autoimmune diseases. These days multiple researchers reported three subpopulations which has distinct effector functions in Tfh cells: Tfh1, Tfh2 and Tfh17 cells. In this review, we summarize the observed alterations in whole Tfh cells and subset distribution during autoimmune diseases.

Automated summary

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a crucial role in promoting B cell maturation and antigen-specific antibody production. Dysregulation of Tfh activities can contribute to pathogenic autoantibody production in autoimmune diseases. Recent studies have identified three distinct subpopulations with effector functions in Tfh cells: Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 cells.