Publications

Abstract

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are typically defined by the expression of CXCR5, PD-1 and BCL-6, and their ability to promote the differentiation of B cells into antibody (Ab)-producing plasma cells.1, 2 In a recent article in Nature, Brenner and colleagues described a putative pathogenic population of B-helper CD4+ T cells in tissues from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).3 Curiously, while these cells expressed high levels of PD-1 and promoted B-cell differentiation, they lacked CXCR5 and BCL-6, suggesting they represent a novel subset of effector CD4+ T cells.