Usage Information
Citation Information: JCI Insight. 2024;9(21):e183400. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.183400.
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells represent an important subset of CD4+ T cells that is crucial to the maturation and differentiation of B cells and the production of high-affinity antibodies. Because B cell activating–factor (BAFF), a vital B cell survival factor, is also crucial to B cell maturation and differentiation, we assessed the effects of BAFF on Tfh cell development and function. We demonstrated that deficiency of BAFF, but not of APRIL, markedly inhibited Tfh cell development, germinal center (GC) formation, and antigen-specific antibody production. The promoting effect of BAFF on Tfh cell development was dependent on expression of BR3 on T cells, and its promoting effect on GC formation was dependent on expression of BR3 on both T cells and B cells. BAFF directly promoted expression of the Tfh cell–characteristic genes via NF-κB signaling. This effect did need BR3 expression. Thus, BAFF not only has direct effects on B cells, but it also has direct effects on Tfh cell differentiation via engagement of BR3, which collectively promoted GC formation and production of high-affinity antibodies. This dual effect of BAFF on B cells and Tfh cells may help explain the clinical utility of BAFF antagonists in the management of certain autoimmune diseases.
Authors
Ye Chen, Maogen Chen, Yu Liu, Qiang Li, Youqiu Xue, Liu Liu, Rongzhen Liang, Yiding Xiong, Jun Zhao, Jingrong Chen, Weidong Lin, Julie Wang, Yun Feng Pan, William Stohl, Song Guo Zheng
Usage data is cumulative from September 2024 through March 2025.
| Usage | JCI | PMC |
|---|---|---|
| Text version | 1,380 | 112 |
| 410 | 32 | |
| Figure | 240 | 0 |
| Supplemental data | 96 | 4 |
| Citation downloads | 59 | 0 |
| Totals | 2,185 | 148 |
| Total Views | 2,333 | |
Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.
Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.
