T Follicular Helper-Like Cells Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology 2018-05, Vol.9, p.944-944
• Main Authors: Guo, Jun, Zhao, Cong, Wu, Fang, Tao, Liang, Zhang, Chunmei, Zhao, Daidi, Yang, Shuya, Jiang, Dongbo, Wang, Jing, Sun, Yuanjie, Li, Zhuyi, Li, Hongzeng, Yang, Kun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CD40 ligand; experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; Immunology; interlukin-21; multiple sclerosis; T follicular helper cells
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00944

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have been proved to be T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Recent researches indicate that humoral immunity is also involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are critical for B cell differentiation and antibody production. However, the role of Tfh cells in MS and EAE remains unclear. Here, we found elevated frequencies of CD4 CXCR5 PD-1 Tfh-like cells in both MS patients and EAE. In EAE mice, Tfh-like cells, together with B cells, were found in the ectopic lymphoid structures in spinal cords. Moreover, Tfh-like cells promoted the antibody production IL-21/IL-21R and CD40 ligand/CD40 interaction and the synergy effect of STAT3 and non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway inside B cells. Moreover, adoptive transfer of Tfh-like cells could increase the severity and delay the remission of EAE. In conclusion, our data indicate that Tfh-like cells contribute to the pathogenesis of EAE.