Follicular Helper T Cells, Psoriasis, and Chinese Medicine Intervention：A Review

Follicular helper T（Tfh）cells are a newly discovered subset of CD4+ T cells. As reported, abnormalities in their development,  differentiation,  and function are closely related to the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease and it is intractable with a prolonged course. At present, it is generally believed that immune imbalance mediated by T cells is the core mechanism of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In the context of this mechanism, Tfh cells are associated with psoriasis, and their cellular level and abnormal expression of related candidates can promote the occurrence of psoriasis. In terms of treatment, Chinese medicine, by virtue of the characteristics of wide application and low price, serves as a good complementary and alternative treatment option for psoriasis. As confirmed by previous findings, some active ingredients or preparations of Chinese medicine used in the treatment of psoriasis can also intervene in and regulate the immune response mediated by Tfh cells and the related candidates. Based on the research reports and experimental data, the present study reviewed the research progress from the differentiation of Tfh cells, the relationship between Tfh cells and psoriasis, and the intervention and regulation of Tfh cells and related molecules by Chinese medicine, which is expected to provide certain theoretical support and references for the determination of new strategies for psoriasis treatment and research in related fields.