Critical regulation of follicular helper T cell differentiation and function by Gα(13) signaling

GPCR-Gα protein–mediated signal transduction contributes to spatiotemporal interactions between immune cells to fine-tune and facilitate the process of inflammation and host protection. Beyond this, however, how Gα proteins contribute to the helper T cell subset differentiation and adaptive response have been underappreciated. Here, we found that Gα(13) signaling in T cells plays a crucial role in inducing follicular helper T (Tfh) cell differentiation in vivo. T cell–specific Gα(13)-deficient mice have diminished Tfh cell responses in a cell-intrinsic manner in response to immunization, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, and allergen challenges. Moreover, Gα(13)-deficient Tfh cells express reduced levels of Bcl-6 and CXCR5 and are functionally impaired in their ability to adhere to and stimulate B cells. Mechanistically, Gα(13)-deficient Tfh cells harbor defective Rho-ROCK2 activation, and Rho agonist treatment recuperates Tfh cell differentiation and expression of Bcl-6 and CXCR5 in Tfh cells of T cell–specific Gα(13)-deficient mice. Conversely, ROCK inhibitor treatment hampers Tfh cell differentiation in wild-type mice. These findings unveil a crucial regulatory role of Gα(13)-Rho-ROCK axis in optimal Tfh cell differentiation and function, which might be a promising target for pharmacologic intervention in vaccine development as well as antibody-mediated immune disorders.