摘要：Memory CD8 T cells generated after acute viral infections or live vaccines can persist for extendedperiods, in some instances for life, and play an important role in protective immunity. This long-livedimmunity is achieved in part through cytokine-mediated homeostatic proliferation of memory T cellswhile maintaining the acquired capacity for rapid recall of effector cytokines and cytolytic molecules. Theability of memory CD8 T cells to retain their acquired properties, including their ability to remain poisedto recall effector functions, is a truly impressive feat given that these acquired properties can bemaintained for decades without exposure to cognate antigen. Here, we discuss general mechanisms foracquisition and maintenance of transcriptional programs in memory CD8 T cells and the potential role ofepigenetic programming in maintaining the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of cellular subsetsamong the pool of memory cells.
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