The Role of Dendritic Cells in the Differentiation of T Follicular Helper Cells

J Immunol Res. 2018 Jul 2:2018:7281453. doi: 10.1155/2018/7281453. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

T follicular helper cells (TFH) are a subset of recently discovered CD4+ T cells. Their major function is to participate in the formation of germinal centres (GCs) and promote B cell proliferation and differentiation to play important roles in the production of antibodies. Currently, the functions of TFH cells are clear. However, the early differentiation of these cells is not clear. Dendritic cells (DCs) participate in the differentiation of TFH cells. Therefore, this article reviewed the research progress regarding the influence of DCs on the differentiation of TFH cells and their major underlying mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / physiology*