Nuclear receptors of the NR4a family are not required for the development and function of follicular T helper cells

• The expression of Nr4a receptors is enhanced in Tfh cells.
• Enforced expression of Nr4a receptors increases helper capacity of Tfh cells.
• Deficiency of Nr4a receptors does not affect development and function of Tfh cells.

Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells promote germinal center (GC) reaction and high-affinity antibody production. The molecular mechanisms that regulate development and function of Tfh cells are not fully understood. Here we report that ligand-independent nuclear receptors of the Nr4a family are highly expressed in Tfh cells. In a well-established adoptive transfer model, enforced expression of Nr4a receptors reduces helper T cell expansion but apparently increased the T cell capacity to promote the GC response. On the other hand, deletion of all Nr4a receptors in T cells did not significantly affect expansion or differentiation of Tfh cells or the development of GC reaction. These findings suggest that Nr4a receptors may promote but are not necessary for Tfh development or function in vivo.