Tissue-resident memory T cells in the urogenital tract

Our understanding of T cell memory responses changed drastically with the discovery that specialized T cell memory populations reside within peripheral tissues at key pathogen entry sites. These tissue-resident memory T (T-RM) cells can respond promptly to an infection without the need for migration, proliferation or differentiation. This rapid and local deployment of effector functions maximizes the ability of T-RM cells to eliminate pathogens. T-RM cells do not circulate through peripheral tissues but instead form isolated populations in the skin, gut, liver, kidneys, the reproductive tract and other organs. This long-term retention in the periphery might allow T-RM cells to fully adapt to the local conditions of their environment and mount customized responses to counter infection and tumour growth in a tissue-specific manner. In the urogenital tract, T-RM cells must adapt to a unique microenvironment to confer protection against potential threats, including cancer and infection, while preventing the onset of auto-inflammatory disease. In this Review, we discuss insights into the diversification of T-RM cells from other memory T cell lineages, the adaptations of T-RM cells to their local environment, and their enhanced capacity to counter infection and tumour growth compared with other memory T cell populations, especially in the urogenital tract. Tissue-resident memory T cells are crucial to immune responses in epithelial and mucosal tissues. This Review examines the unique characteristics and differentiation pathways of these cells, as well as their unique adaptations in the urogenital tract, and their role in infection, cancer, inflammatory diseases and transplantation.

Automated summary

The discovery of tissue-resident memory T (T-RM) cells residing in peripheral tissues at key pathogen entry sites has revolutionized our understanding of T cell memory responses. These cells can promptly respond to infections without the need for migration, proliferation or differentiation. They form isolated populations in peripheral tissues and play a crucial role in combating infections and tumor growth.