TGF-β specifies T versus T17 cell fates in murine CD4 T cells through c-Maf.

T follicular helper (T) cells are essential for effective antibody responses, but deciphering the intrinsic wiring of mouse T cells has long been hampered by the lack of a reliable protocol for their generation in vitro. We report that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces robust expression of T hallmark molecules CXCR5 and Bcl6 in activated mouse CD4 T cells in vitro. TGF-β-induced mouse CXCR5 T cells are phenotypically, transcriptionally, and functionally similar to in vivo-generated T cells and provide critical help to B cells.

Frailty is related to serum inflammageing markers: results from the VITAL study.

Frailty describes an age-associated state in individuals with an increased vulnerability and less resilience against adverse outcomes. To score frailty, studies have employed the questionnaires, such as the SF-36 and EQ-5D-3L, or the Frailty Index, a composite score based on deficit accumulation. Furthermore, ageing of the immune system is often accompanied by a state of low-grade inflammation (inflammageing).

T follicular helper cells in cancer.

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide essential help to B cells for effective antibody-mediated immune responses. Although the crucial function of these CD4 T cells in infection and vaccination is well established, their involvement in cancer is only beginning to emerge. Increased numbers of Tfh cells in Tfh cell-derived or B cell-associated malignancies are often associated with an unfavorable outcome, whereas in various solid organ tumor types of non-lymphocytic origin, their presence frequently coincides with a better prognosis.

Toxoplasma gondii Is Required for Placenta-Specific Induction of the Regulatory Chemokine CCL22 in Human and Mouse.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan pathogen of humans that can cross the placenta and result in adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term birth defects. The mechanisms used by T. gondii to cross the placenta are unknown, but complex interactions with the host immune response are likely to play a role in dictating infection outcomes during pregnancy.