Epigenetic Regulation of T Cell Memory: Recalling Therapeutic Implications

Memory T cells possess functional differences from naive T cells that powerfully contribute to the efficiency of secondary immune responses. These abilities are imprinted during the primary response, linked to the acquisition of novel patterns of gene expression. Underlying this are alterations at the chromatin level (epigenetic modifications) that regulate constitutive and inducible gene transcription. T cell epigenetic memory can persist long-term, contributing to long-lasting immunity after infection or vaccination. However, acquired epigenetic states can also hinder effective tumor immunity or contribute to autoimmunity. The growing understanding of epigenetic gene regulation as it relates to both the stability and malleability of T cell memory may offer the potential to selectively modify T cell memory in disease by targeting epigenetic mechanisms.