Cytokines and Receptors in Tfh Cell Differentiation and Function

Cytokine secretion is central to almost every stage of Tfh differentiation and function. Stimulation of IL-6 receptors on activated T cells induces IL-21 production. IL-6 and the autocrine action of IL-21 stimulate activated T cells to express Bcl-6, the master transcription factor that controls Tfh cell differentiation. Tfh cells secrete IL-10, IL-21, and small amounts of IL-2, IL-4, IL-17 and IFN-gamma, to stimulate centrocytes to generate antibody-producing plasma cells and memory B cells. R&D Systems offers products for examination of cytokines and receptors in Tfh cell differentiation and function.