Bob1 maintains T follicular helper cells for long-term humoral immunity

Commun Biol. 2024 Feb 15;7(1):185. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-05827-0.

Abstract

Humoral immunity is vital for host protection, yet aberrant antibody responses can trigger harmful inflammation and immune-related disorders. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, central to humoral immunity, have garnered significant attention for unraveling immune mechanisms. This study shows the role of B-cell Oct-binding protein 1 (Bob1), a transcriptional coactivator, in Tfh cell regulation. Our investigation, utilizing conditional Bob1-deficient mice, suggests that Bob1 plays a critical role in modulating inducible T-cell costimulator expression and cellular respiration in Tfh cells. This regulation maintains the long-term functionality of Tfh cells, enabling their reactivation from central memory T cells to produce antibodies during recall responses. In a bronchial asthma model induced by house dust mite (HDM) inhalation, Bob1 is observed to enhance HDM-specific antibodies, including IgE, highlighting its pivotal function in Tfh cell regulation. Further exploration of Bob1-dependent mechanisms in Tfh cells holds promise for governing protective immunity and addressing immune-related disorders.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Immunity, Humoral*
  • Mice
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-1* / genetics
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-1* / metabolism
  • T Follicular Helper Cells* / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology

Substances

  • Pou2f1 protein, mouse
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-1