Follicular Helper T Cells and Follicular Regulatory T Cells Involved in Immune Disorders of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy.

Objectives: To investigate the role of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells in immune disorders of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN).

Methods: Peripheral blood samples of 41 IMN patients and 30 healthy controls were collected. The percentages of B cells, Tfh cells and Tfr cells were determined by flow cytometry, and the concentrations of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-21 were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).