Central memory cytotoxic T cell (Tcm cytotoxic T cell (CD8+ Tcm))

Central memory T cells (Tcm) are a subtype of T lymphocytes with high expression of CCR7 and CD62L, which allows them to home to secondary lymphoid tissues and persist long-term. When engineered or expanded to be tumor antigen-specific, these cells can mount a robust immune response against tumor cells upon adoptive transfer into patients. Compared to effector or effector memory T cells, Tcm display superior proliferation, persistence, and recall responses, making them attractive for adoptive cell therapy of cancer. These Tcm recognize tumor antigens via their TCR, become activated, proliferate, and kill target cells through the release of cytolytic granules and cytokines.

Other names

central memory T cellTcm cellCD8+ Tcmtumor antigen-specific central memory T cellcentral memory cytotoxic lymphocyte

Cell-mediated cytotoxicity via T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of tumor antigen-MHC complexes; Release of perforin/granzymes leading to tumor cell lysis; Production of cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, TNF-α); Expansion and persistence upon antigen re-exposure