Circulating CXCR5⁺CD4⁺helper T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus patients share phenotypic properties with germinal center follicular helper T cells and promote antibody production

Abstract

The accumulated circulating Tfh-like cells in lupus patients share phenotypic and functional properties with GC-Tfh cells. Tfh-like cells may serve as perpetuators in the pathogenesis of SLE by enhancing the self-reactive B cell clones to further differentiate into auto antibody-producing plasmablasts, and ultimately cause autoimmunity.