[HTML][HTML] T follicular helper-like cells are involved in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

J Guo, C Zhao, F Wu, L Tao, C Zhang, D Zhao… - Frontiers in …, 2018 - frontiersin.org
J Guo, C Zhao, F Wu, L Tao, C Zhang, D Zhao, S Yang, D Jiang, J Wang, Y Sun, Z Li, H Li…
Frontiers in Immunology, 2018frontiersin.org
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have been
proved to be T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Recent researches indicate that
humoral immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. T follicular helper
(Tfh) cells are critical for B cell differentiation and antibody production. However, the role of
Tfh cells in MS and EAE remains unclear. Here, we found elevated frequencies of CD4+
CXCR5+ PD-1+ Tfh-like cells in both MS patients and EAE. In EAE mice, Tfh-like cells …
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have been proved to be T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Recent researches indicate that humoral immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are critical for B cell differentiation and antibody production. However, the role of Tfh cells in MS and EAE remains unclear. Here, we found elevated frequencies of CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ Tfh-like cells in both MS patients and EAE. In EAE mice, Tfh-like cells, together with B cells, were found in the ectopic lymphoid structures in spinal cords. Moreover, Tfh-like cells promoted the antibody production via IL-21/IL-21R and CD40 ligand/CD40 interaction and the synergy effect of STAT3 and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway inside B cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of Tfh-like cells could increase the severity and delay the remission of EAE. In conclusion, our data indicate that Tfh-like cells contribute to the pathogenesis of EAE.
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