Stem-like T cells and niches: Implications in human health and disease

Recently, accumulating evidence has elucidated the important role of T cells with stem-like characteristics in long-term maintenance of T cell responses and better patient outcomes after immunotherapy. The fate of T_SL cells has been correlated with many physiological and pathological human processes. In this review, we described present advances demonstrating that stem-like T (T_SL) cells are central players in human health and disease. We interpreted the evolutionary characteristics, mechanism and functions of T_SL cells. Moreover, we discuss the import role of distinct niches and how they affect the stemness of T_SL cells. Furthermore, we also outlined currently available strategies to generate T_SL cells and associated affecting factors. Moreover, we summarized implication of T_SL cells in therapies in two areas: stemness enhancement for vaccines, ICB, and adoptive T cell therapies, and stemness disruption for autoimmune disorders.