Targeting T-cell memory: where do we stand?
OBJECTIVE
The need to control donor-reactive T cell memory for successful organ transplantation is widely acknowledged. Alloreactive memory T cells are present in many human transplant recipients prior to transplantation and are less susceptible to the effects of currently used immunosuppression than naïve T cells. This review brings together recent advances in various fields of immunology that are potentially applicable for targeting memory T cells in sensitized transplant patients.


RESULTS
The topics of the discussion are evoked by the latest findings on immunobiology of memory T cells and include functional diversity of T-cell memory, characteristic features of memory T-cell homeostasis and signaling, costimulatory requirements of memory T cells and their susceptibility to regulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite apparent resistance of memory T cells to currently used therapies, recent findings suggest that recall responses by memory T cells can be controlled at many different levels. Use of this information may facilitate development of future tools managing T-cell memory in transplant settings.
Valujskikh
Anna
A
Department of Immunology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. valujsa@ccf.org
D000818:Animals; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D023001:Transplantation Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents