Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells in Cancer Immunosurveillance

Authors:

• Park, Simone L.
• Gebhardt, Thomas
• Mackay, Laura K.

Details:

Trends in Immunology, Volume 40, Issue 8, 2019-08-31

Article Link: Click here

Following their activation and expansion in response to foreign threats, many T cells are retained in peripheral tissues without recirculating in the blood. These tissue-resident CD8+ memory T (TRM) cells patrol barrier surfaces and nonlymphoid organs, where their critical role in protecting against viral and bacterial infections is well established. Recent evidence suggests that TRM cells also play a vital part in preventing the development and spread of solid tumors. Here, we discuss the emerging role of TRM cells in anticancer immunity. We highlight defining features of tumor-localizing TRM cells, examine the mechanisms through which they have recently been shown to suppress cancer growth, and explore their potential as future targets of cancer immunotherapy.