Epigenetics behind CD8⁺ T cell activation and exhaustion

CD8⁺ T cells play a critical role in specific immunity. In recent years, cell therapy has been emerging rapidly. The specific cytotoxic capabilities of these cells enable them to precisely identify and kill cells presenting specific antigens. This has demonstrated promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancers, with wide-ranging applications and value. However, in some diseases, such as tumors and chronic infections, T cells may adopt an exhausted phenotype, resulting in a loss of cytotoxicity and limiting their further application. Epigenetics plays a significant role in the differentiation and regulation of gene expression in cells. There is extensive evidence indicating that epigenetic remodeling plays an important role in T cell exhaustion. Therefore, further understanding its role in CD8⁺ T cell function can provide insights into the programmatic regulation of CD8⁺ T cells from a genetic perspective and overcome these diseases. We attempted to describe the relationship between the activation, function, and exhaustion mechanisms of CD8⁺ T cells, as well as epigenetics. This understanding makes it possible for us to address the aforementioned issues.