1. Bcl6 and Blimp-1 Are Reciprocal and Antagonistic Regulators of T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation.
- Author
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Johnston, Robert J., Poholek, Amanda C., DiToro, Daniel, Yusuf, Isharat, Eto, Danelle, Barnett, Burton, Dent, Alexander L., Craft, Joe, and Crotty, Shane
- Subjects
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T cells , *CELL differentiation , *CELLULAR immunity , *TRANSCRIPTION factors , *GENE expression , *GERMINAL centers , *B cells - Abstract
Effective B cell-mediated immunity and antibody responses often require help from CD4 T cells. It is thought that a distinct CD4+ effector T cell subset, called T follicular helper cells (TFH), provides this help; however, the molecular requirements for TFH differentiation are unknown. We found that expression of the transcription factor Bcl6 in CD4+ cells is both necessary and sufficient for in vivo TFH differentiation and T cell help to B cells in mice. In contrast, the transcription factor Bilmp-1, an antagonist of Bcl6, inhibits TFH differentiation and help, thereby preventing B cell germinal center and antibody responses. These findings demonstrate that TFH cells are required for proper B cell responses in vivo and that Bcl6 and Blimp-1 play central but opposing roles in TFH differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
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