Generation of effector CD8+ T cells and their conversion to memory T cells

Immunol Rev. 2010 Jul:236:151-66. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2010.00926.x.

Abstract

Immunological memory is a cardinal feature of adaptive immunity. We are now beginning to elucidate the mechanisms that govern the formation of memory T cells and their ability to acquire longevity, survive the effector-to-memory transition, and mature into multipotent, functional memory T cells that self-renew. Here, we discuss the recent findings in this area and highlight extrinsic and intrinsic factors that regulate the cellular fate of activated CD8+ T cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology*
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Models, Immunological
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-2