Pivotal role for α_V integrins in sustained Tfh support of the germinal center response for long-lived plasma cell generation.

ABSTRACT: CD4+ follicular helper T cells (Tfh) are essential for germinal center (GC) reactions in the lymph node that generate high-affinity, long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs). Temporal GC analysis suggests B memory cells (Bmem) are generated early, while LLPCs are generated late in the GC reaction. Distinct roles for Tfh at these temporally different stages are not yet clear. Tfh entry into the GC is highly dynamic and the signals that maintain Tfh within the GC for support of late LLPC production are poorly understood. The GC is marked by inflammation-induced presentation of specific ECM components. To determine if T cell recognition of these ECM components played a role in Tfh support of the GC, we immunized mice with a T cell-restricted deletion of the ECM-binding integrin α_V (α_V<

SUBMITTER: Schrock DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6410787 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature