Central memory and effector memory T cell subsets: Function, generation, and maintenance

The memory T cell pool functions as a dynamic repository of antigen-experienced T lymphocytes that accumulate over the lifetime of the individual. Recent studies indicate that memory T lymphocytes contain distinct populations of central memory (T-CM) and effector memory (T-EM) cells characterized by distinct homing capacity and effector function. This review addresses the heterogeneity of T-CM and T-EM, their differentiation stages, and the current models for their generation and maintenance in humans and mice.