Follicular helper T cells in autoimmune diseases.

The authors reflect on the role of the antigen-experienced CD4+ T cells follicular T helper (TFH) cells in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. Topics discussed include the generation of TFH cells from the periphery of naive CD4+T cells, the inability of TFH cells to promote self-tolerance and autoimmunity, and the role of modified B cell function in the advancement of autoimmune diseases. Also mentioned is the potential of unsettled TFH cells to influence autoimmune diseases.