CXCR5 is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. It binds to its ligand, CXCL13, which is a chemokine predominantly produced in the B cell follicles of secondary lymphoid organs. The interaction between CXCR5 and CXCL13 helps in the localization and migration of B cells and Tfh cells to B cell follicles. This is critical for the formation of germinal centers, where B cells undergo maturation, differentiation, and affinity maturation, leading to the production of high-affinity antibodies.
