The balance between conventional and unconventional T follicular helper cells influences autoreactive B cell

Chenfei He1, Shan Wang1, Marion Moreews1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 16, Solna Campus, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.

Cell Reports
|April 19, 2025
PubMed

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are activated by glycolipids presented on CD1d. When iNKT cells interact with and activate B cells, they can differentiate into iNKT follicular helper (iNKTfh) cells, and here, we investigate how this, in turn, regulates conventional T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. This is done in an autoimmune model where antibodies are produced against self-antigens relevant to the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We find a balance between iNKTfh and Tfh cells that directs the B cell response and influences Tfh cell generation. This altered balance also affects the specificities and increases the autoantibody response. We also show that CD1d expression by B cells is essential for iNKTfh cell generation. In conclusion, our data shed light on how T cell help for B cells is divided between conventional and unconventional helper cell populations and how this has an impact on autoreactive B cell responses.

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