Follicular CD8+ T cells in Trypanosoma cruzi infection: helpers or killers depending on the target B cell population.

ABSTRACT: Follicular cytotoxic T (Tfc) cells are a distinct subset of CD8 ⁺ T cells predominantly localized in B cell follicles and their surrounding areas. These cells play important roles in supporting B cell responses and controlling pathogens through the elimination of infected cells. Although their involvement in immune-mediated diseases and tumors is well-documented, their role in parasitic infections remains largely unexplored. Through phenotypic and transcriptomic analysis, we identified a specialized Tfc population that transiently emerges during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Tfc cells in this context were composed mainly of effector cells, peaked concurrently with plasmablasts, and preceded the germinal center response. They exhibited high expression of proteins associate

SUBMITTER: Gazzoni Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12558609 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature