T follicular helper cells in human autoimmunity
1Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|September 3, 2016
Summary
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a role in autoimmune diseases. Research now shows increased circulating Tfh cells in patients, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are implicated in mouse models of antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.
- Evidence for Tfh cell involvement in human autoimmune pathogenesis has been limited.
- Recent advancements facilitate understanding human Tfh cell biology and responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and alterations of Tfh cell responses in human autoimmune diseases.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Tfh cell involvement in autoimmunity.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within Tfh cell pathways.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cell populations in patients with autoimmune diseases.
- Assessment of cTfh cell markers such as PD-1 and ICOS.
- Examination of cTfh cell subset composition.
Main Results:
- Increased numbers of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells expressing PD-1 and/or ICOS are observed in various autoimmune diseases.
- Alterations in the composition of cTfh subsets are a common feature across different autoimmune conditions.
- These findings highlight a consistent pattern of Tfh cell dysregulation in human autoimmunity.
Conclusions:
- Circulating Tfh cells and their subsets are significantly altered in human autoimmune diseases.
- Understanding Tfh cell differentiation and function in inflamed tissues is crucial.
- Targeting Tfh cells presents a promising strategy for novel autoimmune disease treatments.
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