T peripheral helper cells in autoimmune diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Autoimmunity
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Pathologic T cell-B cell interactions are central to autoimmune diseases.
• T cells aiding B cells in autoimmunity can have diverse phenotypes, not always fitting the T follicular helper cell profile.
• A distinct population, PD-1^hi CXCR5^- T peripheral helper (Tph) cells, is increasingly recognized in autoantibody-associated diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the involvement of Tph cells in various immune-related conditions.
• To explore the potential role of Tph cells in driving pathologic B cell activation in autoimmune diseases.
• To discuss Tph cells as a potential therapeutic strategy and biomarker in autoimmunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies implicating Tph cells in autoimmune and immune-related conditions.
• Analysis of Tph cell characteristics, including phenotype (PD-1^hi CXCR5^-) and function.
• Discussion of Tph cell migration and B cell help capabilities.

Main Results:

• Tph cells possess a unique phenotype enabling both B cell help and migration to inflamed tissues.
• Tph cells have been implicated in multiple autoantibody-associated diseases.
• Their presence suggests a significant contribution to aberrant B cell activation.

Conclusions:

• Tph cells represent a key player in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
• Tph cells are a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies in autoimmunity.
• Monitoring Tph cells in blood may serve as a valuable biomarker for aberrant T cell-B cell activation in patients.