摘要：SummaryCD4+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. Moreover, we show here that the transition of memory as well as naive CD4+T cells into the Tfh cell profile is supported by the expression of pro-Tfh genes, including transcription factors known to orchestrate Tfh cell development. Using this culture system, we provide pieces of evidence that HIV infection differentially alters these newly identified pathways of Tfh cell generation. Such diversity in pathways of Tfh cell generation offers a new framework for the understanding of Tfh cell responses in physiological and pathological contexts.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•In vitrostimulation of human spleen cells leads to the generation of Tfh-like cells•Splenic naive and memory CD4+ T cells can acquire Tfh cell functions•Specific programs of differentiation lead to the acquisition of Tfh cell functions•In vitroHIV infection differentially alters Tfh transcriptomic programsImmunology; Virology; Cell biology
