Cytokines in Follicular Helper T Cell Biology in Physiologic and Pathologic Conditions

Jinyong Choi1,2, Shane Crotty3,4, Youn Soo Choi5,6,7

  • 1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.

Immune Network
|March 8, 2024
PubMed

Follicular helper T cells (Tfh) play a crucial role in generating high-affinity antibodies (Abs) and establishing immunological memory. Cytokines, among other functional molecules produced by Tfh, are central to germinal center (GC) reactions. This review focuses on the role of cytokines, including IL-21 and IL-4, in regulating B cell responses within the GC, such as differentiation, affinity maturation, and plasma cell development. Additionally, this review explores the impact of other cytokines like CXCL13, IL-10, IL-9, and IL-2 on GC responses and their potential involvement in autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer. This review highlights contributions of Tfh-derived cytokines to both protective immunity and immunopathology across a spectrum of diseases. A deeper understanding of Tfh cytokine biology holds promise for insights into biomedical conditions.

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