?? T cells control humoral immune response by inducing T follicular helper cell differentiation.

ABSTRACT: ?? T cells have many known functions, including the regulation of antibody responses. However, how ?? T cells control humoral immunity remains elusive. Here we show that complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), but not alum, immunization induces a subpopulation of CXCR5-expressing ?? T cells in the draining lymph nodes. TCR??+CXCR5+ cells present antigens to, and induce CXCR5 on, CD4 T cells by releasing Wnt ligands to initiate the T follicular helper (Tfh) cell program. Accordingly, TCR?-/- mice have impaired germinal center formation, inefficient Tfh cell differentiation, and reduced serum levels of chicken ovalbumin (OVA)-specific antibodies after CFA/OVA immunization. In a mouse model of lupus, TCR?-/- mice develop milder glomerulonephritis, consistent with decreased serum levels of lupus-related autoantibodies, when compared with wild type mice. Thus, modulation of the ?? T cell-dependent humoral immune response may provide a novel therapy approach for the treatment of antibody-mediated autoimmunity.

SUBMITTER: Rezende RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6082880 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature