The aged microenvironment impairs BCL6 and CD40L induction in CD4⁺ T follicular helper cell differentiation.

ABSTRACT: Weakened germinal center responses by the aged immune system result in diminished immunity against pathogens and reduced efficacy of vaccines. Prolonged contacts between activated B cells and CD4⁺ T cells are crucial to germinal center formation and T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation, but it is unclear how aging impacts the quality of this interaction. Peptide immunization confirmed that aged mice have decreased expansion of antigen-specific germinal center B cells and reduced antibody titers. Furthermore, aging was associated with accumulated Tfh cells, even in naïve mice. Despite increased numbers, aged Tfh had reduced expression of master transcription factor BCL6 and increased expression of the ectonucleotidase CD39. In vitro activation revealed that proliferativ

SUBMITTER: Fisher JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11296098 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature