TFH cell phenotype

Nodal T-cell lymphomas derived from the TFH cell show characteristic morphologic, clinical, and genetic alterations with numerous overlaps within subgroups. They are characterized by a TFH cell phenotype and a strong correlation with the microenvironment. TFH cells (TFH is the acronym for "follicular B helper T-cells") form a smaller subpopulation of Th lymphocytes that express CXCR5 on their surface. These cells are found within the B-cell follicles of human tonsils as well as in the blood.

CXCR5 (acronym for CXC motif chemokine receptor 5) is a receptor protein of the chemokine recept or family. This receptor type is found in particular on lymphocytes (B and T lymphocytes) and can be detected in particularly high density on cells of Burkitt's lymphoma. CXCR5 is activated by a cytokine, the CXC motif chemokine CXCL13 (BCA-1), and plays an important role in the targeted attraction (chemotaxis) of B cells.

The rare nPTCL with TPH phenotype are listed as a new independent entity in the 2017 revised WHO classification (see below peripheral T-cell lymphomas).

1. Chen Yet al. (2019) CXCR5+PD-1+ follicular helper CD8 T cells control B cell tolerance. Nat Commun 10: 4415.
2. Li H et al. (2015) CD25(+) Bcl6(low) T follicular helper cells provide help to maturing B cells in germinal centers of human tonsil. Eur J Immunol 45: 298-308.
3. Vinuesa CG et al (2016) Follicular Helper T Cells. Annu Rev Immunol 34:335-368.