Resident Memory T Cells in Autoimmune Skin Diseases

Tissue resident memory T cells (TRM) are a critical component of the immune system, providing the body with an immediate and highly specific response against pathogens re-infecting peripheral tissues. More recently, however, it has been demonstrated that TRM cells also form during autoimmunity. TRM mediated autoimmune diseases are particularly destructive, because unlike foreign antigens, the self-antigens are never cleared, continuously activating self-reactive TRM T cells. In this article, we will focus on how TRMs mediate disease in autoimmune skin conditions, specifically vitiligo, psoriasis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Automated summary

Tissue resident memory T cells (TRM) play a crucial role in the immune system by providing immediate and specific responses against pathogens re-infecting peripheral tissues. However, they have also been found to contribute to autoimmune diseases, where self-antigens continuously activate self-reactive TRM T cells, leading to destructive outcomes. This article focuses on how TRMs mediate disease in autoimmune skin conditions, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, alopecia areata, and frontal fibrosing alopecia.