Resident memory T cells in mouse and human.

Abstract

Recent researches are revealing the importance of a new subset of memory T cells called resident memory T cells (TRMs). Once they enter the tissues according to their tissue-homing receptors, TRMs do not go back to circulation and stay in the same tissues for a long time. These T cells are defined as expressing CD69 and/or CD103, and are known to show strong effector functions. It is considered that TRMs have an important role against infection in barrier tissues such as GI tract, skin, respiratory system and reproductive tract. Furthermore, recent reports indicate their roles in organ-specific chronic inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disorders and tumor immunology even in non-barrier tissues such as central nerve system, lymphatic tissue, liver, kidney, pancreas and joint. Here in this session, the author organized what have been known about TRM both in mouse and human, including the development, functional activities and relation of TRM to disease manifestation, for the detailed understanding of this fraction.