Cytokine control of memory T-cell development and survival

Evidence has accumulated that cytokines have a fundamental role in the differentiation of memory T cells. Here, we follow the CD8(+) T cell from initial activation to memory-cell generation, indicating the checkpoints at which cytokines determine the fate of the T cell. Members of the common cytokine-receptor gamma-chain (gammac)-cytokine family - in particular, interleukin-7 (IL-7) and IL-15 - act at each stage of the immune response to promote proliferation and survival. In this manner, a stable and protective, long-lived memory CD8(+) T-cell pool can be propagated and maintained.