Naive and memory CD4⁺ T cell subsets can contribute to the generation of human Tfh cells.

ABSTRACT: CD4⁺ T follicular helper cells (Tfh) promote B cell maturation and antibody production in secondary lymphoid organs. By using an innovative culture system based on splenocyte stimulation, we studied the dynamics of naive and memory CD4⁺ T cells during the generation of a Tfh cell response. We found that both naive and memory CD4⁺ T cells can acquire phenotypic and functional features of Tfh cells. Moreover, we show here that the transition of memory as well as naive CD4⁺ T cells into the Tfh cell profile is supported by the expression of pro-Tfh genes, including transcription factors known to orchestrate Tfh cell development. Using this culture system, we provide pieces of evidence that HIV infection differentially alters these newly identified p

SUBMITTER: Jeger-Madiot R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8693005 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature