Regulation of Follicular T Cell Differentiation and Function

Adaptive immune system functions to destroy “non-self” pathogens. It is orchestrated mainly by T and B cells, which are segregated in T cell zone and B cell follicle, respectively. Upon antigen activation, certain T cells can migrate into B cell follicle. Follicular CD4+ T (Tfh) cells have been identified to specifically support B cells and antibody responses. Follicular CD8+ T (Tfc) cells, on the other hand, are crucial to curtail chronic viral infections. My study investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating both Tfh and Tfc, which might help develop novel therapeutic interventions in treating autoimmune diseases and chronic infections including HIV