Expansion or Depletion of T Follicular Helper Cells During HIV Infection: Consequences for B cell Responses
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: HIV infection is characterized by aberrant B cell responses and B cell dysfunction. These dysfunctional responses have been extensively documented in peripheral blood and organized lymphoid tissues such as the lymph nodes. Though the loss of CD4 T cell help has been thought to play a key role in dysfunctional B cell responses, recent studies have implicated a subset of CD4 T helper cells called the T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in this process. Tfh cells interact with B cells and play a key role in mediating the germinal center reaction, and driving the differentiation and maturation of B cells. Why Tfh expands in some HIV infected individuals as compared to their loss in others is still not clear. Here we review some of the recent developments in the field and discuss the implications of Tfh cell dysregulation on B cell responses during HIV infection.
Source: Current HIV Research
Authors: Olusegun Onabajo, Joseph Mattapallil
Institution: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Language: English
Topic: HIV Research and Treatment
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1995343199