Distinct features of a peripheral T helper subset that drives the B cell response in dengue virus infection.

ABSTRACT: Dengue-virus-induced humoral immunity can increase the risk of severe disease, but the factors influencing this response are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the contribution of CD4⁺ T cells to B cell responses in human dengue infection. We identify a dominant peripheral PD-1⁺ T cell subset that accumulates in severe patients and could induce B cell differentiation via interleukin-21 (IL-21)-related pathway. Single-cell analyses reveal heterogeneity within PD-1⁺ cells, demonstrating the coexistence of subsets with "helper" (IL-21⁺) or "cytotoxic" characteristics. The IL-21⁺ subset displays a distinct clonotypic and transcriptomic signature compared to follicular helper T cells and persists as a memory in lymph nodes. Notably, we

SUBMITTER: Ansari A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12032839 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature