More work is needed to understand the relationship of TIGIT+ and TIGIT- cTfh to their counterparts in the germinal centre but this study shows that there is scope in further studying cTfh subsets not just in the context of infection but also vaccination and autoimmunity.
As previously described, we observed a positive correlation between S1 IgG titre (and strength of nAbs) and circulating follicular helper T cells (cTfh) expressing activation markers such as ICOS and CD38. Interestingly, this correlation was inverse when we looked at TIGIT+ cTfh.
We also found that TIGIT+ and TIGIT- cTfh are Tfh1 and Tfh17 skewed, respectively, and that TIGIT- cTfh express more CD40L following activation. Given the importance of CD40L in germinal centre reactions this may explain the superior ability of TIGIT- cTfh to provide B cell help.
Using spectral flow cytometry, we saw increased frequencies of activated CD4 and CD8 T cells in patients with severe COVID-19. Similarly, we saw higher titres of serum IgG targeting the SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike as well as an increased strength of neutralising Abs in severe disease.
Excited for our new study exploring humoral immune responses in COVID-19 to be out @FrontImmunol today. Thanks to everyone @LucyWalkerlab, collaborators, the clinical team and all patients that participated in the study. 🧵
https://t.co/YOw3iSCe3S
Postdoc position available in our lab! Are you interested in self-reactive T cells & how costimulatory pathways shape their fate? Project uses in vivo models, spectral cytometry & sequencing approaches. Deadline 6th March.
https://t.co/bGuQkqL2hq
Our new review on the Immunology of #Type1Diabetes now out in @NatRevImmunol – really important area for understanding and maximising immunotherapies. Kevan Herold @Bruskolab Thomas Delong, Ana Luisa Perdigoto, Noah Biru @DUK_research @JDRFUK @iit_ucl
https://t.co/8VJXdTZcUw
New review from Lina Petersone & I highlights recent findings on IL-21 and germinal center biology. Such an interesting cytokine!
https://t.co/2dWdEak4f3
We are v proud to finally share this!
Following @NatalieEdner's seminar (@LucyWalkerlab) in series 1, we were invited by @IMTadvances to write an article to review our discussions online
Thank you for tuning in to both series!
Go give it a read now🙌🤓
https://t.co/DXbqdZvuLQ
If you want to see fantastic images like THIS, be sure to catch our next seminar with Lina Petersone to discuss the role of IL-21 on germinal B cell development!
📅 Thursday 12th October, BST
📍 https://t.co/KWDOYF5dMQ
BSI Triggers of Autoimmunity online meeting 26th Oct! Speakers include David Wraith @cameron_wraith Dana Orange @danaorange Pia Leete @PiaLeete Alberto Ascherio Simon Milling @s_milling Claudia Mauri @Mauri_group Ignacio Sanz. Abstract deadline 22 Sept.
https://t.co/9StX6ZzGxW
New study led by Lina Petersone now in @JExpMed . Cytokine IL-21 from Tfh promotes germinal center (GC) responses & is overproduced in #autoimmune diseases. We found IL-21R deficiency led to a GC dark zone defect in autoimmune and immunisation settings 1/4 https://t.co/73WgdiffxX
Petersone et al. @LucyWalkerlab@iit_ucl investigate IL-21–dependent germinal center (GC) regulation and reveal key roles for IL-21 in promoting light zone GC B cell selection and controlling dark zone GC B cell proliferation by upregulation of cyclin D3. https://t.co/RcFrKJpTDs
Thrilled to have Her Majesty The Queen visit @iit_ucl to hear about the type 1 diabetes research in Professor Lucy Walker’s lab. Her Majesty is president of JDRF who fund ground-breaking research aiming to cure this condition. @uclnews@UCLInfectImm
https://t.co/TBUhGXZ8kb
It was an honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to the UCL Institute of Immunity & Transplantation. Such a fantastic JDRF event discussing our #type1diabetes research and the #ConnectImmuneResearch partnership. @iit_ucl@RoyalFreeChty