It is debated how follicular helper T (Tfh) cells versus central memory CD4+ T cells arise from similar precursors, and little is known about the regulation of germinal-centre (GC)-Tfh cell differentiation. Here, authors establish markers in the early precursor stage that distinguish between the GC-Tfh and memory T cell fates and identify an important mechanism that regulates the competitive fitness of the GC-Tfh cells.
- Fangming Zhu
- Ryan J. McMonigle
- Hui Hu