Can follicular helper T cells be targeted to improve vaccine efficacy? [version 1; referees: 3 approved]

Abstract

The success of most vaccines relies on the generation of antibodies to provide protection against subsequent infection; this in turn depends on a robust germinal centre (GC) response that culminates in the production of long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells. The size and quality of the GC response are directed by a specialised subset of CD4+ T cells: T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Tfh cells provide growth and differentiation signals to GC B cells and mediate positive selection of high-affinity B cell clones in the GC, thereby determining which B cells exit the GC as plasma cells and memory B cells. Because of their central role in the production of long-lasting humoral immunity, Tfh cells represent an interesting target for rational vaccine design.

Keywords

• Autoimmunity
• Immunity to Infections
• Immunomodulation
• Leukocyte Activation
• Leukocyte Development
• Leukocyte Signaling & Gene Expression
• Medical Microbiology
• Parasitology
• Virology