Unlocking the full potential of memory T cells in adoptive T cell therapy for hematologic malignancies

In recent years, immune cell therapy, particularly adoptive cell therapy (ACT), has shown superior therapeutic effects on hematologic malignancies. However, a challenge lies in ensuring that genetically engineered specific T cells maintain lasting anti-tumor effects within the host. The enduring success of ACT therapy hinges on the persistence of memory T (T_M) cells, a diverse cell subset crucial for tumor immune response and immune memory upkeep. Notably, T_M cell subsets at varying differentiation stages exhibit distinct biological traits and anti-tumor capabilities. Poorly differentiated T_M cells are pivotal for favorable clinical outcomes in ACT. The differentiation of T_M cells is influenced by multiple factors, including metabolism and cytokines. Consequently, current research focuses on investigating the differentiation patterns of T_M cells and enhancing the production of poorly differentiated T_M cells with potent anti-tumor properties in vitro, which is a prominent area of interest globally. This review delves into the differentiation features of T_M cells, outlining their distribution in patients and their impact on ACT treatment. It comprehensively explores cutting-edge strategies to boost ACT efficacy through T_M cell differentiation induction, aiming to unlock the full potential of T_M cells in treating hematologic malignancies and offering novel insights for tumor immune cell therapy.