Follicular helper T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the joints and other tissues. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) are biomarkers for the evaluation of RA although their functions in the pathogenesis of RA are poorly understood. CXC-chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)(+) T follicular helper (TFH) cells are essential for B cell maturation and antibody production. Recent studies have showed that dysregulated TFH cells are associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the characters and functions of TFH cells, such as their differentiation, expression, transcription factor, and B cell maturation. Meanwhile, we also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the role of these cells in RA and potential treatments, including antibody-blocking agents, gene therapies, T cell vaccines, and T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells. Overall, we discuss the roles of TFH cells in the pathogenesis of RA and potential therapies for RA.