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Review of tissue-resident memory T cell features in cancer and autoimmune diseases

Review of tissue-resident memory T cell features in cancer and autoimmune diseases
Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash
Key Takeaway
Note that this review lacks reported safety data and specific outcomes for Trm cells in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

This source is a narrative review focusing on tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm cells) in the context of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The scope encompasses the developmental differentiation and molecular features of these cells within the tumor microenvironment and autoimmune disease settings. No specific sample size or primary outcomes were reported in this synthesis.

The authors discuss the biological characteristics of Trm cells but did not provide pooled effect sizes or specific quantitative data regarding interventions or comparators. Consequently, no specific adverse events, tolerability, or discontinuation rates are described in this text. The review aims to consolidate qualitative knowledge rather than present trial-level efficacy data.

Limitations acknowledged by the authors or inherent to the source include the absence of reported safety data, follow-up periods, and specific outcome measures. Because the study type is a review and not a randomized controlled trial, causal language regarding treatment effects is avoided. The certainty of findings is constrained by the lack of reported numerical data and the narrative nature of the synthesis.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) are a subset of memory T cells that establish residency in peripheral tissues and do not re-enter circulation under homeostasis, playing a central role in local immune responses. Recent studies have revealed that Trm cells play a dual role in immune protection and immunopathology: in the tumor microenvironment they can directly kill tumor cells and enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies, serving as key mediators of antitumor immunity; conversely, in autoimmune diseases they may persist long-term and drive chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This functional duality is closely linked to the microenvironmental signals, transcriptional programs, and metabolic states that shape Trm cells. This review systematically examines the developmental differentiation and molecular features of Trm cells, their bidirectional regulatory mechanisms in cancer and autoimmunity, and outlines the therapeutic potential and challenges of precision disease interventions targeting Trm cells.
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