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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice

Published on: June 27, 2020

T follicular helper cell development and functionality in immune ageing.

Claire E Gustafson¹, Cornelia M Weyand¹, Jörg J Goronzy²

¹Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine, Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A.

Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)

|September 7, 2018

Summary

Aging populations face increased infection risks due to weakened immune responses. This review examines T follicular helper (T_FH) cells and strategies to improve vaccine efficacy in older adults.

Keywords:

B cell antibody production Immunosenescence T cell differentiation T follicular regulatory cell germinal center vaccine response

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Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper cTfh Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry

Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper cTfh Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

Area of Science:

Immunology
Gerontology
Infectious Diseases

Background:

The global population aged 65+ will exceed 1.6 billion by 2050, increasing the burden of age-related diseases.
Pathogenic infections are a leading cause of mortality in older adults, linked to immune system decline.
T follicular helper (T_FH) cells are crucial for antibody production and protective immunity against pathogens and vaccines.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the development and function of T_FH cells in the context of aging.
To explore the utility of circulating T_FH (cT_FH) cells as biomarkers for vaccine responses.
To discuss strategies for enhancing T_FH cell function to improve immunity in the elderly.

Main Methods:

This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on T_FH cells, aging, and immunity.
Literature search and analysis of studies on T_FH cell development, function, and age-related changes.
Examination of data on cT_FH cells as correlates of vaccine immunogenicity.

Main Results:

Age-dependent decline in T_FH cell function impairs antibody production and vaccine responses.
Circulating T_FH (cT_FH) cells show potential as biomarkers for immune status and vaccine efficacy.
Dysfunctional T_FH cells contribute to increased susceptibility to infections in older adults.

Conclusions:

Understanding T_FH cell dynamics in aging is critical for addressing age-related immune deficiencies.
Targeting T_FH cell dysfunction offers a promising avenue for improving vaccine effectiveness in the elderly.
Enhancing T_FH cell-mediated immunity can bolster protection against infectious diseases in aging populations.