Unraveling the origins of pathogenic CXCL13+ helper T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

This Research Highlight discusses a recent publication, where the authors identified an increase in CXCL13⁺ peripheral helper T/follicular helper T cells, which was concomitant with a decrease in CD96⁺ T helper 22 (T_H22) cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The genetic and epigenetic cues that reciprocally regulate this pathogenic imbalance of T-cell subsets were also identified, thus providing targets for therapeutic intervention.