A Thpok-Directed Transcriptional Circuitry Promotes Bcl6 and Maf Expression to Orchestrate T Follicular Helper Differentiation (Immunity)

The transcription factor Thpok is essential for the development of CD4+ T cells. Vacchio et al. show that in mature T cells, Thpok drives the expression of the transcriptional regulators Bcl6 and Maf to promote the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, thus linking the CD4+ lineage to Tfh cell differentiation.