Discipline in Stages: Regulating CD8 Resident Memory T Cells.

Resident memory CD8 T (T) cells are a lymphocyte lineage distinct from circulating memory CD8 T cells. T lodge within peripheral tissues and secondary lymphoid organs where they provide rapid, local protection from pathogens and control tumor growth. However, dysregulation of CD8 T formation and/or activation may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Intrinsic mechanisms, including transcriptional networks and inhibitory checkpoint receptors control T differentiation and response. Additionally, extrinsic stimuli such as cytokines, cognate antigen, fatty acids, and damage signals regulate T formation, maintenance, and expansion. In this review, we will summarize knowledge of CD8 T generation and highlight mechanisms that regulate the persistence and responses of heterogeneous T populations in different tissues and distinct microenvironments.