Abstract

T-cell help for B cells is essential for high-affinity antibody responses and B-cell memory. Recently, the identity of a discrete follicular population of T cells that has a crucial role in this process has become clearer. Similar to primed CD4⁺ T cells in the tonsils and memory CD4⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood, this follicular population of T cells expresses CXC-chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5). Owing to their distinct homing preferences and helper function, these T cells differ from T helper 1 and T helper 2 cells and have been denoted follicular B helper T cells. Here, we outline the central role of this subset in normal and pathological immune responses.

Author affiliations

1. Division of Immunology and Genetics, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia.
2. Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia.
3. Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 4, CH3012 Bern, Switzerland.
4. Arthritis and Asthma Research Program, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.

Correspondence to: Charles R. Mackay⁴ Email: c.mackay@garvan.org.au

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