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Autoimmune effector memory T cells: the bad and the good
Priyadharshini Devarajan1, Zhibin Chen
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 3035, 1600 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
Immunologic Research
|November 9, 2013
Summary
Autoimmune memory T cells (TEM) can damage healthy tissues but may have evolved to clear infected or cancerous cells. Understanding their dual role is crucial for treating autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Immunological memory is key to adaptive immunity in vertebrates.
- Accumulating evidence suggests a pathogenic role for memory lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases.
- Self-antigen-reactive CD(+) effector memory T (TEM) cells are implicated in autoimmune pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for TEM cells in autoimmune pathogenesis.
- To compare the role of TEM cells in autoimmune diseases versus infectious diseases.
- To explore the potential beneficial roles of autoimmune TEM cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological memory and autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of the role of T(EM) cells in various disease contexts.
- Comparative study of T(EM) cell function in autoimmunity and infection.
Main Results:
- T(EM) cells contribute to autoimmune tissue damage and resist therapies.
- T(EM) cells play roles in both acute and chronic infectious diseases.
- Autoimmune T(EM) cells may have evolved for beneficial roles in cancer and chronic infections.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune T(EM) cells have a detrimental role in autoimmune diseases.
- These cells might be evolutionary adaptations for clearing damaged or malignant cells.
- Further research is needed to harness T(EM) cell functions therapeutically.
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