ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the mechanism of T follicular helper cells ( Tfh ) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) via in vivo experiments. Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups,CFA group,EAE group,anti-ICOSL group and control group. Lymphocytes of different time points isolated from draining lymph nodes and spleen were stained for T follicular helper cells surface marker and T cells activation surface marker and analyzed by FACS. Observed parameters include inflammatory infiltration,demyelination in spinal cord and germinal center in spleen. ELISA was used to measure the level of antigen specific antibodies. Results: Mice in anti-ICOSL treated group developed mild disease was with lower clinical scores when compared with the EAE group. HE staining results turned out with alleviated inflammation and Luxol Fast Blue staining( LFB) showed no demyelization in anti-ICOSL treated mice compared with non-treated EAE models. Flow cytometry results revealed that percentages of T follicular helper cells decreased though the whole activated degree T cells was not influenced in anti-ICOSL treated group. Fewer ger minal center was found in both anti-ICOSL group and CFA group with reduced secretion of MOG-specific Ab. Conclusion:T follicular helper cells supported the development of cognate B cells,promoted the formation of germinal center,facilitate pathogenic MOG-specific Ab secretion,thus enhance EAE.