T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are central players in humoral immunity. However, the signals involved in inducing, directing, and maintaining human Tfh differentiation are poorly understood. In this proposal we show preliminary data identifying novel regulators of human Tfh differentiation. We proposal to validate these findings, identify the molecular mechanisms of action of these regulators, and develop an integrated process for inducing and regulating human Tfh cell differentiation.
Tfh cells are a type of CD4 T cell that are necessary for the development of high quality antibody responses against pathogens. Tfh cells can also be associated with human autoimmune diseases with autoantibody responses. However, we do not understand the signal controlling human Tfh cells. This proposal aims to determine critical signals controlling human Tfh cells.
| Wing, James Badger; Kitagawa, Yohko; Locci, Michela et al. (2017) A distinct subpopulation of CD25- T-follicular regulatory cells localizes in the germinal centers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:E6400-E6409 |
