scholarly journals Increased frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ follicular helper T cells in human lymph node biopsies during the earliest stages of rheumatoid arthritis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dornatien C Anang ◽  
Tamara H. Ramwadhdoebe ◽  
Janine Hahnlein ◽  
Bo van Kuijk ◽  
Noortje Smits ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper

Objectives: Follicular helper T cells (Tfh cells) provide key B cell help, and are essential in germinal center (GC) formation and (auto) antibody generation. To gain more insight into their role during the earliest phase of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we analyzed their frequencies, phenotype and cytokine profile in peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. Methods: Using flow cytometry, we studied the frequency of Tfh and B cells in peripheral blood and lymph node (LN) needle biopsies. Three donor groups were included and compared: healthy controls (HCs), autoantibody positive individuals at risk for developing RA (RA-risk individuals), and early RA patients. Ex vivo stimulation of lymphocytes with PMA/ionomycin was performed to assess cytokine secretion by Tfh cells. Results: In blood, the frequency of circular Tfh cells (cTfh) did not differ between study groups. In lymphoid tissue, the frequency of Tfh cells correlated strongly with the frequency of CD19+ B cells. Compared to healthy controls, LN samples of RA patients and RA-risk individuals showed more CD19+ B cells and more CD4+CXCR5+ and CD8+CXCR5+ Tfh cells. These Tfh cells from LNs expressed less IL-21 upon ex vivo stimulation. Conclusion: LN tissue of early RA patients as well as part of RA-risk individuals exhibit increased frequencies of Tfh cells correlating with increased numbers of B cells. Interestingly, IL-21 production is already aberrant in the very early at risk phase of the disease. This suggests that Tfh cells may present a novel rationale for therapeutic targeting during the preclinical stage of the disease to prevent further disease progression.

scholarly journals Aberrant populations of circulating T follicular helper cells and regulatory B cells underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuichiro Asai ◽  
Hirofumi Chiba ◽  
Hirotaka Nishikiori ◽  
Ryuta Kamekura ◽  
Hayato Yabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper

Abstract Background T follicular helper (Tfh) cells have been identified as a new category of helper T cells, which express CXCR5 on their surface and induce the production of antigen-specific antibodies. Many investigations have found morbid proliferation and/or activation of Tfh cells in systemic autoimmune and allergic diseases. It is also known that Tfh cells are regulated by regulatory B (Breg) cells in the deteriorating such diseases. Recently, CXCL13, a ligand of CXCR5, has been reported to increase in the peripheral blood and lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate the involvement of Tfh cells and Breg cells in IPF. Methods Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 18 patients with IPF. We isolated heparinized peripheral blood mononuclear cells and investigated the proportions of Breg cells, Tfh cells, PD-1+ICOS+ Tfh cells (activated form of Tfh cells), and the Tfh-cell subsets by flow cytometry. These cell profiles were compared with those of 21 healthy controls. Furthermore, we investigated the correlations between profiles of lymphocytes and lung physiology. Results The median proportions of Tfh cells per total CD4+ T cells and of PD-1+ICOS+ proportion of Tfh cells per total Tfh cells was significantly more in the IPF patients (20.4 and 5.2%, respectively) compared with healthy controls (15.4 and 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.042 and p = 0.004, respectively). The proportion of Tfh2 cells per total Tfh cells was significantly higher and the proportion of Tfh17 was smaller in the IPF patients than healthy controls. The percentage of Breg cells to total B cells was significantly decreased in the IPF patients (median, 8.5%) compared with that in the controls (median, 19.7%; p < 0.001). The proportion of Breg cells was positively correlated with the annual relative change in diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide in the IPF patients (r = 0.583, p = 0.018). Conclusion Proliferation and activation of Tfh cells and a decrease in Breg cells were observed in the peripheral blood of patients with IPF. The profile of the Tfh-cell subset also changed. Specific humoral immunity aberration would likely underlie complicated pathophysiology of IPF.

scholarly journals Circulating follicular helper T cells are increased in systemic sclerosis and promote plasmablast differentiation through the IL-21 pathway which can be inhibited by ruxolitinib

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Ricard ◽  
Vincent Jachiet ◽  
Florent Malard ◽  
Yishan Ye ◽  
Nicolas Stocker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
Arterial Pulmonary Hypertension

ObjectivesSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterised by widespread fibrosis, microangiopathy and autoantibodies. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ cooperate with B lymphocytes to induce the differentiation of plasmocytes secreting immunoglobulins (Ig). Circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells are increased in several autoimmune diseases. However, there are no data about cTfh cells and their interaction with B cells in SSc. The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative and functional analysis of cTfh cells in SSc.MethodsUsing flow cytometry, we analysed cTfh cells from 50 patients with SSc and 32 healthy controls (HC). In vitro coculture experiments of sorted cTfh and B cells were performed for functional analysis. IgG and IgM production were measured by ELISA.ResultsWe observed that cTfh cell numbers are increased in patients with SSc compared with HC. Furthermore, the increase in cTfh cells was more potent in patients with severe forms of SSc such as diffuse SSc and in the presence of arterial pulmonary hypertension. cTfh cells from patients with SSc present an activated Tfh phenotype, with high expression of BCL-6, increased capacity to produce IL-21 in comparison with healthy controls. In vitro, cTfh cells from patients with SSc had higher capacity to stimulate the differentiation of CD19+CD27+CD38hi B cells and their secretion of IgG and IgM through the IL-21 pathway than Tfh cells from healthy controls. Blocking IL-21R or using the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib reduced the Tfh cells’ capacity to stimulate the plasmablasts and decreased the Ig production.ConclusionsCirculating Tfh cells are increased in SSc and correlate with SSc severity. The IL-21 pathway or JAK1/2 blockade by ruxolitinib could be a promising strategy in the treatment of SSc.

scholarly journals AB0044 ESTABLISHED RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS HAVE INCREASED FREQUENCIES OF FOLLICULAR REGULATORY T CELLS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1325.3-1325
Author(s):  
C. Tomé ◽  
S. C. Barreira ◽  
P. Martins ◽  
A. Valido ◽  
R. Barros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
T Cell Subsets ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper ◽  
Healthy Donors ◽  
Cd69 Expression

Background:Several studies have demonstrated that an immune dysregulation affecting both B and T cells occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are crucial for B cell maturation, activation and class-switching as well as for germinal center (GC) formation, whereas follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells can modulate the GC reaction by suppressing Tfh and B cells.Objectives:The main goal of this study was to analyze the phenotype and frequency of circulating follicular T cell subsets in established RA patients.Methods:Blood samples were collected from established RA patients with active disease, treated with methotrexate (n=32) and from a group of age and sex-matched healthy donors (n=11). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and Tfh (CD4+CXCR5+CD45RO+) and Tfr (CD4+ CXCR5+CD25+FoxP3+) cells, as well as their three major subsets [CXCR3+CCR6- (Th1-like), CXCR3-CCR6- (Th2-like) and CXCR3-CCR6+ (Th17-like)] were evaluated by flow cytometry.Results:The frequency of circulating Tfh cells was similar between established RA patients and controls. Nonetheless, RA patients had a decreased frequency of Th1-like Tfh cells, and an increased frequency of Th2-like Tfh cells when compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of Th17-like Tfh cells between both groups. The frequency of circulating Tfr cells was significantly increased in RA patients in comparison to controls. Furthermore, Tfr cells from RA patients had significantly increased CD69 median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values when compared to controls. No significant differences were found in the percentages and MFI values of PD-1, ICOS, CD28, CTLA-4, CD40-L and HLA-DR expressed by Tfh and Tfr cells in RA patients when compared to controls.Conclusion:Established RA patients have increased circulating frequencies of Tfr cells, with higher CD69 expression levels, when compared to healthy controls. These results suggest a pre-activation state of Tfr cells in RA and a potential role in the disease physiopathology.*RA Moura, JE Fonseca and L Graca are joint senior authors.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals THU0042 DIFFERENTIAL EFFECT OF ABATACEPT VS TNF BLOCKERS, ON THE FREQUENCY OF CIRCULATING FOLLICULAR HELPER (TFH) AND PERIPERAL HELPER (TPH) T CELLS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 234.1-234
Author(s):  
P. Fortea-Gordo ◽  
D. Peiteado ◽  
A. Villalba ◽  
M. J. Santos-Bornez ◽  
L. Nuño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Cell Frequency ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Tnf Blockers ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper ◽  
Treatment Escalation

Background:CXCR5+PD-1hifollicular helper (Tfh) and CXCR5-PD-1hiperipheral helper (Tph) T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by providing help to autoantibody secreting B cells. Whereas Tfh cells typically dwell in the germinal centers of lymphoid organs, Tph cells accumulate at inflamed tissues. An increased frequency of Tph cells and of circulating counterparts of Tfh cells have been described in the peripheral blood of patients with seropositive RA.Objectives:To examine the effect of treatment escalation using biological agents (TNF blockers or abatacept), on the frequency of circulating Tfh (cTfh) and Tph (cTph) cells in RA.Methods:Peripheral blood was drawn from seropositive RA patients with an incomplete response to csDMARDS (n=29) who initiated biological therapy with TNF blockers (TNFb) (n= 17) or abatacept (n= 12), prescribed based on routine clinical practice. cTfh and cTph cell frequencies were determined by flow cytometry of freshly isolated PBMCs at the basal visit and 6 months after starting treatment escalation. For each patient, an age and gender-matched healthy control (HC) was also studied at both time points (n=29).Results:As compared with HC, active RA patients receiving csDMARDs demonstrated a baseline increased frequency of both cTfh and cTph cells. A significant improvement of disease activity as determined by the DAS28 score (ΔDAS28>2.0) was apparent in all of the patients 6 months after initiating biologicals. At that time point, a significant reduction of the previously elevated cTph cell frequency was observed in both treatment groups. However, cTfh cells remained elevated in patients receiving TNFb notwithstanding a good therapeutic response, whereas subjects receiving abatacept experienced a significant abatement of their cTfh cell frequency. Experimental variation of the cTfh and cTph cell numbers in HC was minimal.Conclusion:Abatacept but not TNFb, are able to bring down cTfh cell numbers in RA. This indicates that costimulation blockade can help attain an immunological remission, whereas TNF neutralization may allow a persistent pathogenic germinal center overactivity. At the same time, treatment with both abatacept and TNF blockers results in a downmodulation of the previouly elevated cTph cell numbers, in parallel with the remitting local joint inflammation.References:[1]Simpson N et al, Arthritis Rheum 2010; Craft J, Nat Rev Rheumatol 2012; Arroyo-Villa I et al., Arthritis Res Ther 2014; Rao DA et al., Nature 2017.Disclosure of Interests:Paula Fortea-Gordo Grant/research support from: BMS, Diana Peiteado: None declared, Alejandro Villalba: None declared, Maria-Jose Santos-Bornez Grant/research support from: BMS, Laura Nuño: None declared, Irene Monjo: None declared, Alejandro Balsa Grant/research support from: BMS, Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Lilly, Pfizer, UCB, Sanofi, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Lilly, Sanofi, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Roche, Nordic, Sandoz, Maria-Eugenia Miranda-Carus Grant/research support from: BMS, Roche

Follicular Helper T Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 338-343
Author(s):  
Alicia Beatriz Costantino ◽  
Cristina del Valle Acosta ◽  
Laura Onetti ◽  
Eduardo Mussano ◽  
Ignacio Isaac Cadile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper

scholarly journals Follicular Helper T Cells Remodel the Immune Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer via Secreting CXCL13 and IL-21

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3678
Author(s):  
Xuan Lin ◽  
Longyun Ye ◽  
Xu Wang ◽  
Zhenyu Liao ◽  
Jia Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Tfh Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1

Immunosuppression is an important factor for the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Follicular helper T cells (Tfh cells) play an anti-tumor role in various malignant solid tumors and predict better patient prognosis. In the present study, we aimed to determine the immunosuppressive mechanism associated with Tfh cells and explore a new strategy to improve the tumor microenvironment of PDAC. Flow cytometry was used to detect the infiltration and proportion of Tfh cells in tumor tissues and peripheral blood from patients with PDAC. The spatial correlations of Tfh cells with related immune cells were evaluated using immunofluorescence. The function of Tfh cells was examined using in vitro and in vivo model systems. The high infiltration of Tfh cells predicted better prognosis in patients with PDAC. Tfh cells recruited CD8+ T cells and B cells by secreting C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), and promoted the maturation of B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells by secreting interleukin 21 (IL-21), thereby promoting the formation of an immunoactive tumor microenvironment. The function of Tfh cells was inhibited by the programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway in PDAC, which could be reversed using neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Treatment with recombinant CXCL13, IL-21 and Tfh cells alleviated tumor growth and enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and B cells, as well as B cell maturation in a PDAC mouse model. Our results revealed the important role of Tfh cells in mediating anti-tumor cellular immunity and humoral immunity in PDAC via secreting CXCL13 and IL-21 and determined a novel mechanism of immunosuppression in PDAC.

A BATF-ling connection between B cells and follicular helper T cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 519-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia I Ellyard ◽  
Carola G Vinuesa
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper

scholarly journals Follicular Helper T Cells Are Major Human Immunodeficiency Virus-2 Reservoirs and Support Productive Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Godinho-Santos ◽  
Russell B Foxall ◽  
Ana V Antão ◽  
Bárbara Tavares ◽  
Tiago Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Immune Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Productive Infection ◽  
Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper T Cells ◽  
Follicular Helper ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract Follicular helper T cells (Tfh), CD4 lymphocytes critical for efficient antibody responses, have been shown to be key human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 reservoirs. Human immunodeficiency virus-2 infection represents a unique naturally occurring model for investigating Tfh role in HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, given its slow rate of CD4 decline, low to undetectable viremia, and high neutralizing antibody titers throughout the disease course. In this study, we investigated, for the first time, Tfh susceptibility to HIV-2 infection by combining in vitro infection of tonsillar Tfh with the ex vivo study of circulating Tfh from HIV-2-infected patients. We reveal that Tfh support productive HIV-2 infection and are preferential viral targets in HIV-2-infected individuals.

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