Tox2 is required for the maintenance of GC T_FH cells and the generation of memory T_FH cells.

ABSTRACT: Memory T follicular helper (T_FH) cells play an essential role to induce secondary antibody response by providing help to memory and naïve B cells. Here, we show that the transcription factor Tox2 is vital for the maintenance of T_FH cells in germinal centers (GCs) and the generation of memory T_FH cells. High Tox2 expression was almost exclusive to GC T_FH cells among human tonsillar and blood CD4⁺ T cell subsets. Tox2 overexpression maintained the expression of T_FH-associated genes in T cell receptor–stimulated human GC T_FH cells and inhibited their spontaneous conversion into T_H1-like cells. Tox2-deficient mice displayed impaired secondary T_FH cell expansion upon reimmunization with an antigen and upon secondary infection with a heterologous influenza virus. Collectively, our study shows that Tox2 is highly integrated into establishment of durable GC T_FH cell responses and development of memory T_FH cells in mice and humans.

SUBMITTER: Horiuchi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8500513 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature