[HTML][HTML] Local T/B cooperation in inflamed tissues is supported by T follicular helper-like cells

D Vu Van, KC Beier, LJ Pietzke, MS Al Baz… - Nature …, 2016 - nature.com
D Vu Van, KC Beier, LJ Pietzke, MS Al Baz, RK Feist, S Gurka, E Hamelmann, RA Kroczek…
Nature communications, 2016nature.com
Autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions are characterized by large
lymphocytic tissue infiltrates in which T and B cells can be found in close contact. Here,
using a murine airway inflammation model, we compare antigen-specific T and B cells in
lung tissue versus lung-draining lymph node. In the lung we identify a B-cell population
exhibiting a classical germinal centre phenotype without being organized into ectopic
lymphoid tissue. By contrast, classical CXCR5+ Bcl-6+ T follicular helper cells are not …
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions are characterized by large lymphocytic tissue infiltrates in which T and B cells can be found in close contact. Here, using a murine airway inflammation model, we compare antigen-specific T and B cells in lung tissue versus lung-draining lymph node. In the lung we identify a B-cell population exhibiting a classical germinal centre phenotype without being organized into ectopic lymphoid tissue. By contrast, classical CXCR5+ Bcl-6+ T follicular helper cells are not present. Nevertheless, lung-infiltrating T cells exhibit follicular helper-like properties including the potential to provide help to naive B cells. The lung tissue is also a survival niche for memory T and B cells remaining in residual peribronchial infiltrates after resolution of inflammation. Collectively, this study shows the importance of T/B cooperation not only in lymph nodes but also in inflamed peripheral tissues for local antibody responses to infection and autoimmunity.
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