Immune Netw.  2016 Aug;16(4):219-232. 10.4110/in.2016.16.4.219.

Follicular Helper T (Tfh) Cells in Autoimmune Diseases and Allograft Rejection

• Jeon YH
• Choi YS

• KMID: 2349883
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4110/in.2016.16.4.219

Abstract

Production of high affinity antibodies for antigens is a critical component for the immune system to fight off infectious pathogens. However, it could be detrimental to our body when the antigens that B cells recognize are of self-origin. Follicular helper T, or Tfh, cells are required for the generation of germinal center reactions, where high affinity antibody-producing B cells and memory B cells predominantly develop. As such, Tfh cells are considered as targets to prevent B cells from producing high affinity antibodies against self-antigens, when high affinity autoantibodies are responsible for immunopathologies in autoimmune disorders. This review article provides an overview of current understanding of Tfh cells and discusses it in the context of animal models of autoimmune diseases and allograft rejections for generation of novel therapeutic interventions.

Keyword

Tfh; Germinal center reactions; Autoantibodies; Autoimmunity; Allograft rejection

MeSH Terms

Allografts*
Antibodies
Autoantibodies
Autoantigens
Autoimmune Diseases*
Autoimmunity
B-Lymphocytes
Germinal Center
Immune System
Memory
Models, Animal
Antibodies
Autoantibodies
Autoantigens

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