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Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Journal
Nature Reviews Immunology
Abstract
Tissue localization is a critical determinant of T cell immunity. CD8+ T cells are contact-dependent killers, which requires them to physically be within the tissue of interest to kill peptide-MHC class I-bearing target cells. Following their migration and extravasation into tissues, T cells receive many extrinsic cues from the local microenvironment, and these signals shape T cell differentiation, fate and function. Because major organ systems are variable in their functions and compositions, they apply disparate pressures on T cells to adapt to the local microenvironment. Additional complexity arises in the context of malignant lesions (either primary or metastatic), and this has made understanding the factors that dictate T cell function and longevity in tumours challenging. Moreover, T cell differentiation state influences how cues from the microenvironment are interpreted by tissue-infiltrating T cells, highlighting the importance of T cell state in the context of tissue biology. Here, we review the intertwined nature of T cell differentiation state, location, survival and function, and explain how dysfunctional T cell populations can adopt features of tissue-resident memory T cells to persist in tumours. Finally, we discuss how these factors have shaped responses to cancer immunotherapy.
Keywords
Humans, CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Immunologic Memory, Immunotherapy, Neoplasms, Biology, Tumor Microenvironment
DOI
10.1038/s41577-023-00884-8
PMID
37253877
PMCID
PMC11448857
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
October 2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Published Open-Access
yes
Included in
Bioinformatics Commons, Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity Commons, Biomedical Informatics Commons, Immunotherapy Commons, Medical Biochemistry Commons, Medical Cell Biology Commons, Oncology Commons
Comments
PMID: 37253877