Emerging concepts on T follicular helper cell dynamics in HIV infection

•TFH cells present a latent HIV viral reservoir.•TFH cells may be intricately involved in the generation of HIV-specific broadly neutralizing Abs.•Insights into TFH immunobiology may provide inroads into effective vaccine design.•Peripheral blood TFH cell counterparts may facilitate studies of TFH in lymphoid tissues.

Inducing cross-reactive broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) responses to HIV through vaccination remains an insurmountable challenge. T follicular helper (TFH) cells are fundamental for the development of antigen-specific antibody responses and therefore crucial for anti-HIV vaccine design. Here, we review recent studies supporting an intricate involvement of TFH cells in HIV pathogenesis and bNAb development during HIV infection. We also examine emerging data suggesting that TFH cell responses may be traceable in peripheral blood, and discuss the implications of these findings in the context of vaccine design and future research in TFH cell immunobiology.