T follicular helper cell (Tfh cell) (Tfh cell)

T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T helper lymphocytes critical for the regulation and support of B cell differentiation in germinal centers of secondary lymphoid tissues. Through expression of surface markers such as CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1, and the secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-21 (IL-21), Tfh cells provide signals necessary for B cell proliferation, class-switch recombination, and the formation of memory B/plasma cells. Aberrant activation or dysfunction of Tfh cells is implicated in a wide range of diseases, notably autoimmune disorders and certain cancers[1][2][4][5][7]. “T follicular helper cell activation” refers to the process by which these cells are activated and subsequently undertake their helper functions; it is not itself a druggable molecular target.

Other names

Follicular helper T cellTfh lymphocyte

Not applicable to a process; however, drugs affecting costimulatory molecules like ICOS, cytokines like IL-21, or transcription factors like Bcl-6 may indirectly affect Tfh function.