Tissue-resident memory T cells in gastrointestinal cancer immunology and immunotherapy: ready for prime time?

Tissue-resident memory T (T-RM) cells have emerged as immune sentinels that patrol the tissue microenvironment and orchestrate localized antitumor immunity in various solid cancers. Recent studies have revealed that T-RM cells are key players in cancer immunosurveillance, and their involvement has been linked to favorable responses to immunotherapy as well as general better clinical outcome in cancer patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the major advances and recent findings regarding T-RM cells phenotype, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in cancer with a special focus on gastrointestinal tumors. Finally, we highlight the exciting clinical implication of T-RM cells in these types of tumors.

Automated summary

Tissue-resident memory T (T-RM) cells are immune cells that patrol the tissue microenvironment and coordinate anti-tumor immune responses. Recent studies have shown that these cells play a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance and are associated with positive responses to immunotherapy and better clinical outcomes in cancer patients. This review provides an overview of the advances and recent findings in the phenotype, transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of T-RM cells in cancer, with a focus on gastrointestinal tumors. The clinical implications of T-RM cells in these types of tumors are also highlighted.