The role of CXCR5+ CD4+T-follicular helper cells in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Background Primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune illness characterized by increased platelet breakdown in the peripheral blood as well as impaired platelet production and it is also characterized by platelet counts less than 100 × 109/L. T-follicular helper (TFH) cells have been linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions. Aim The study’s aim was to study the role of TFH cells and their function in ITP children. Patients and methods This research involved 25 ITP patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls, with the frequency of circulating TFH cells measured by BD FACS Calibur Flowcytometer in both ITP patients and healthy controls. Results The results showed that the ratio of circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ PD1+ (TFH) in ITP (+) patients, that is, (ITP patients with antiplatelet antibody-positive results) was dramatically higher than those of ITP (−) patients, that is, (ITP patients with antiplatelet antibody-negative results) and it was discovered that the ratios of circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ PD1+ (TFH) were dramatically higher in ITP (+) patients than the control group. However, the ratio of circulating CD4+ CXCR5 +PD1+ (TFH) was not dramatically different between ITP (−) patients and the control group. Conclusion Patients with ITP have an increased number of TFH cells, which prove its critical role in B-cell proliferation, resulting in the development of autoantibodies that contribute to the pathophysiology of ITP.