CXCR5+ CD8 T Cells: Protective or Pathogenic?
CD8 T cells are infrequently considered part of germinal center reactions. Yet, a distinct CXCR5+ CD8 T cell subset identified within the B cell follicle and germinal center in situations of chronic antigen has recently been defined. CXCR5+ CD8 T cells maintain transcriptional and phenotypic features consistent with the CD8 T cell nomenclature of a non-exhausted, effector memory population. CD8 T cell localization to the B cell follicle suggests a functional profile similar to CD4 T follicular helper cells that are licensed to promote B cell responses. The functional mechanisms defined under different immune settings, while largely similar, differentially control disease pathogenesis. CXCR5+ CD8 T cells control viral load during infection, and also promote antibody-mediated autoimmune disease progression. The existence of this novel CXCR5+ CD8 T cell subset in human and murine models of disease may provide a paradigm shift in our understanding of germinal center reactions.
['Valentine|Kristen M|KM|', 'Hoyer|Katrina K|KK|']
D000818:Animals D001402:B-Lymphocytes D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes D018858:Germinal Center D006801:Humans D054380:Receptors, CXCR5 D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer D019562:Viral Load
CD8 T cells germinal center B cell follicle autoimmune disease cancer chronic viral infection