Follicular helper T cells (TFH) are able to closely interact with B cells to promote the formation of germinal centers (GCs). The stable cognate interaction between TFH and B cells in the GC is mutually beneficial to both cells for their development and function. Specifically, help B cells produce long-lived memory B cells and high-affinity antibodies and, in reciprocation, TFH cells are helped by B cells for further differentiation through cell cognation. This results in effective antibody responses to provide protection against pathogenic microbes. The September issue provides three reviews on the biology of TFH cells, highlighting their involvement in disease. The accompanying web focus presents links to related articles from across Springer Nature to provide more background information about these cells.
