Peripheral helper T cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

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Background: Peripheral helper T cells (Tph) are likely implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Tph cells share functions with follicular helper T cells, including plasma cell differentiation and antibody production. Objective and methods: To investigate a possible role of Tph cells in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), we used flow cytometry to analyze the function, phenotype, and central nervous system (CNS)-recruitment of Tph cells in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from controls and patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) and primary progressive (PP) MS. Result: This study identified two functionally distinct Tph cell populations and a regulatory counterpart, Tpr cells. No differences in blood frequencies, cytokine production, or potential to interact with B cells were found between controls and patients with MS. Along with an equal CNS-migration potential, we found both Tph cell populations enriched in the CSF; and surprisingly, an increased frequency of intrathecal Tph cells in the control group compared to patients with MS. Conclusion: Altogether, we did not find an increased frequency of CSF Tph cells in patients with RRMS or PPMS. Our findings indicate that rather than being involved in MS pathogenesis, Tph cells may be implicated in normal CNS immunosurveillance.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal
Volume28
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)1340-1350
Number of pages11
ISSN1352-4585
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

    Research areas

  • Multiple sclerosis, peripheral helper T cells, immunosurveillance, immunology, intrathecal antibody production, multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, B-CELLS, GUIDELINES, DIAGNOSIS, CNS

ID: 314838246