In remembrance of things past: memory T cells and transplant rejection.
A cardinal feature of the adaptive immune response is its ability to generate long-lived populations of memory T lymphocytes. Memory T cells are specific to the antigen encountered during the primary immune response and react rapidly and vigorously upon re-encounter with the same antigen. Memory T cells that recognize microbial antigens provide the organism with long-lasting protection against potentially fatal infections. On the other hand, memory T cells that recognize donor alloantigens can jeopardize the survival of life-saving organ transplants. We review here the immunobiology of memory T cells and describe their role in the rejection of solid organ allografts.
Valujskikh
Anna
A
Department of Immunology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue NB30, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. valujsa@ccf.org
Lakkis
Fadi G
FG
D000818:Animals; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology