T follicular helper cells in autoimmune diseases

Abstract

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells with the phenotype of mainly expressing surface molecules C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5), inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), secreting cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) and requiring the transcription factor B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL-6) have been recently defined as a new subset of CD4+ T cells. They exist in germinal centers (GCs) of lymphoid organs and in peripheral blood. With the ability to promote B cell development, GC formation and antibody production, Tfh cells play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), etc. The aberrant proliferation and function of Tfh cells will cause the pathological process like autoantibody production and tissue injury. In this paper, we review the recent advances in Tfh cell biology and their roles in autoimmune diseases, with a mention of their use as therapeutic targets, which will shed more light on the pathogenesis and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.