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Review
. 2014 Jul 18;3(7):e20.
doi: 10.1038/cti.2014.16. eCollection 2014 Jul.

Stem memory T cells (TSCM)-their role in cancer and HIV immunotherapies

Jacqueline K Flynn  1 , Paul R Gorry  2
Affiliations
Review

Stem memory T cells (TSCM)-their role in cancer and HIV immunotherapies

Jacqueline K Flynn et al. Clin Transl Immunology. .

Abstract

Stem memory T cells (TSCM) have been described in mice, non-human primates and in humans, constituting approximately 2-4% of the total CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell population in the periphery. TSCM represent the earliest and long-lasting developmental stage of memory T cells, displaying stem cell-like properties, and exhibiting a gene profile between naïve and central memory T cells. Their self-renewal capacity and long-term survival has sparked interest in the cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fields. How and when the formation of TSCM occurs during the immune response to pathogens and the therapeutic potential of these cells are currently being investigated. This review will explore the potential role of TSCM to be used as, or targeted by, immunotherapies and vaccines for treatment of cancer and HIV.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Following antigen exposure, naïve T cells undergo proliferative expansion and differentiate into memory T-cell subsets, which culminate into terminally differentiated effector T cells. A majority of memory T cells will survive the contraction phase and become long-lived memory T cells, which have the ability to acquire effector functions upon antigen re-exposure. APC, antigen-presenting cell.
Figure 2
Figure 2
T-cell subsets are commonly characterized by their phenotypic and functional profiles. Memory T-cell subsets in particular have often been described by their effector functions, where CM and EM cells can be distinguished by CM cells having a greater proliferative and IL-2-producing capacity whilst EM have an increased secretion of effector cytokines, including IFN-gamma and enhanced cytotoxicity.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Following the theory of a linear hierarchical system, upon antigen exposure, naïve T cells proliferate and differentiate into memory T cells. Transition into more differentiated memory T-cell subsets has been described as progressively acquiring the capacity to respond to cytokines, tissue homing receptors, antiapoptotic molecules and acquiring effector functions, whilst also losing the expression of lymph node homing receptors, the capacity for proliferation, IL-2 production, self-renewal and survival. APC, antigen-presenting cell.
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