Follicular Helper T Cells: Potential Interventional Targets in Atherosclerosis
Yuxuan Chen1,2, Wenxin Wang1,2, Xueli Xia2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China, ujs.edu.cn.
Journal of Immunology Research
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a key role in atherosclerosis (AS) progression. Targeting Tfh cells and their molecules offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating AS and coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Pathology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis (AS) involves arterial lesions, with lipid metabolism disorders as a core pathological basis.
- Immune injury, driven by lipid deposition and cytokines, significantly advances AS.
- Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are crucial for humoral immunity and implicated in AS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Tfh cell involvement in atherosclerosis.
- To explore the potential of Tfh cells as therapeutic targets for AS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Tfh cells and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of Tfh cell surface molecules and cytokine expression in AS.
- Examination of Tfh cell population dynamics in AS and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Results:
- Abnormal Tfh cell expression of molecules and cytokines contributes to AS onset and progression.
- Increased Tfh cell populations are associated with the advancement of AS and CAD.
- Tfh cells are integral to the immune response in atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Tfh cells are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Targeting Tfh cells and their associated molecules presents a viable therapeutic avenue for AS.
- Further research into Tfh cell-targeted therapies could benefit patients with AS and CAD.
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