Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
Functional differentiation and regulation of follicular T helper cells in inflammation and autoimmunity
Lin Dong1, Ying He1, Yejin Cao1
1Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
Follicular T helper (TFH ) cells are specialized T cells that support B cells, which are essential for humoral immunity. TFH cells express the transcription factor B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR) 5, the surface receptors programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), the cytokine IL-21 and other molecules. The activation, proliferation and differentiation of TFH cells are closely related to dynamic changes in cellular metabolism. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the development and functional differentiation of TFH cells. Specifically, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of TFH cell functional differentiation, including regulatory signalling pathways and the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of TFH cells. In addition, TFH cells are closely related to immune-associated diseases, including infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Follicular T helper (TFH ) cells are specialized T cells that support B cells, which are essential for humoral immunity. TFH cells express the transcription factor B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR) 5, the surface receptors programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), the cytokine IL-21 and other molecules. The activation, proliferation and differentiation of TFH cells are closely related to dynamic changes in cellular metabolism. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the development and functional differentiation of TFH cells. Specifically, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of TFH cell functional differentiation, including regulatory signalling pathways and the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of TFH cells. In addition, TFH cells are closely related to immune-associated diseases, including infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
More Related Videos
07:39Isolation 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
07:07Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response