Understanding the development and function of T follicular helper cells

A fundamental function of T helper (Th) cells is to regulate B-cell proliferation and immunoglobulin class switching, especially in the germinal centers. Th1 and Th2 lineages of CD4(+) T cells have long been considered to play an essential role in helping B cells by promoting the production immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) and IgG1/IgE, respectively. Recently, it has become clear that a subset CD4(+) T cells, named T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, is critical to B-cell response induction. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the regulation of Tfh cell differentiation, the relationship of Tfh cells to other CD4(+) T-cell lineages, and the role of Tfh cells in health and disease.