The Autophagy Receptor TAX1BP1 (T6BP) improves antigen presentation by MHC-II molecules.

CD4 T lymphocytes play a major role in the establishment and maintenance of immunity. They are activated by antigenic peptides derived from extracellular or newly synthesized (endogenous) proteins presented by the MHC-II molecules. The pathways leading to endogenous MHC-II presentation remain poorly characterized.

Naive and memory CD4 T cell subsets can contribute to the generation of human Tfh cells.

CD4 T follicular helper cells (Tfh) promote B cell maturation and antibody production in secondary lymphoid organs. By using an innovative culture system based on splenocyte stimulation, we studied the dynamics of naive and memory CD4 T cells during the generation of a Tfh cell response. We found that both naive and memory CD4 T cells can acquire phenotypic and functional features of Tfh cells.