Follicular B helper T cells in antibody responses and autoimmunity

Nat Rev Immunol. 2005 Nov;5(11):853-65. doi: 10.1038/nri1714.

Abstract

T-cell help for B cells is essential for high-affinity antibody responses and B-cell memory. Recently, the identity of a discrete follicular population of T cells that has a crucial role in this process has become clearer. Similar to primed CD4(+) T cells in the tonsils and memory CD4(+) T cells in the peripheral blood, this follicular population of T cells expresses CXC-chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5). Owing to their distinct homing preferences and helper function, these T cells differ from T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells and have been denoted follicular B helper T cells. Here, we outline the central role of this subset in normal and pathological immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • Autoimmunity / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology
  • Mice
  • Receptors, CXCR5
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Receptors, Cytokine / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Cytokine / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*

Substances

  • CXCR5 protein, human
  • CXCR5 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, CXCR5
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Receptors, Cytokine