Cell distance mapping identifies functional T follicular helper cells in inflamed human renal tissue.

ABSTRACT: T follicular helper (TFH) cells are critical for B cell activation in germinal centers and are often observed in human inflamed tissue. However, it is difficult to know if they contribute in situ to inflammation. Expressed markers define TFH subsets associated with distinct functions in vitro. However, such markers may not reflect in situ function. The delivery of T cell help to B cells requires direct cognate recognition. We hypothesized that by visualizing and quantifying such interactions, we could directly assess TFH cell competency in situ. Therefore, we developed computational tools to quantify spatial relationships between different cell subtypes in tissue [cell distance mapping (CDM)]. Analysis of inflamed human tissues indicated that measurement of internuclear distances between T

SUBMITTER: Liarski VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4129446 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature