Insights Into the Molecular Mechanisms of T Follicular Helper-Mediated Immunity and Pathology.

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play key role in providing help to B cells during germinal center (GC) reactions. Generation of protective antibodies against various infections is an important aspect of Tfh-mediated immune responses and the dysregulation of Tfh cell responses has been implicated in various autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and malignancy. Thus, their differentiation and maintenance must be closely regulated to ensure appropriate help to B cells.

STAT4 Regulates the CD8 Regulatory T Cell/T Follicular Helper Cell Axis and Promotes Atherogenesis in Insulin-Resistant Mice.

The metabolic syndrome and diabetic conditions support atherosclerosis, but the exact mechanisms for accelerated atherogenesis remain unclear. Although the proinflammatory role of STAT4 in atherosclerosis and diet-induced insulin resistance (IR) was recently established, the impact of STAT4 on atherogenesis in conditions of IR is not known. In this study, we generated mice that were fed a diabetogenic diet with added cholesterol (DDC).

Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Interleukin-17C Plays an Atherogenic Role via the Recruitment of Proinflammatory Interleukin-17A+ T Cells to the Aorta.

Objective: Atherosclerosis is characterized by frequent communication between infiltrating leukocytes and vascular cells, through chemokine and cytokine networks. Interleukin-17C (IL-17C) is detectable within atherosclerotic lesions; however, the potential involvement of this cytokine has not been examined. Thus, we sought to investigate the role of IL-17C in atherosclerosis.