T follicular helper cell (Tfh cell)

T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are a subset of antigen-experienced CD4-positive T helper cells that reside primarily in B cell follicles of secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, spleen, and Peyer's patches[1][4][7]. They are characterized by expression of surface molecules such as CXCR5, PD-1, ICOS, and BCL6, and are essential for initiating and maintaining germinal center (GC) reactions, wherein B cells undergo affinity maturation and differentiation to produce high-affinity antibodies[1][6][7]. Tfh cells facilitate selection and survival of B cells in GCs, direct their differentiation into memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells, and help establish humoral immunity critical for protection against pathogens[4][7][9]. Aberrant Tfh cell activity is implicated in various diseases, including autoimmunity (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus), cancer (notably certain lymphomas such as nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma), infectious diseases, and allograft rejection, making them a potential therapeutic target for drugs modulating immune responses[2][5][8]. Tfh cell numbers or phenotype may also serve as biomarkers for monitoring immunotherapy or vaccination efficacy[8]. Note: - **is_incorrect: true** — "T follicular helper cell" refers to a cell population, not a classical molecular target such as a protein receptor, enzyme, or transporter, and thus does not itself represent a conventional "therapeutic target" molecule; instead, it designates a functional cell type within the immune system[1][9]. - For conventional target database structuring, entries should represent a defined molecule (e.g., a receptor); if cell populations must be included, they should be clearly marked as such to avoid confusion.

Other names

Follicular helper T cellFollicular B helper T cellTFH cell

Costimulatory blockade (CTLA4-Ig), Epigenetic modulation (HDAC inhibition), Immunomodulation by targeting developmental pathways