Central Memory and Effector Memory T Cell Subsets: Function, Generation, and Maintenance

The memory T cell pool functions as a dynamic repository of antigen-experienced T lymphocytes that accumulate over the lifetime of the individual. Recent studies indicate that memory T lymphocytes contain distinct populations of central memory (T CM ) and effector memory (T EM ) cells characterized by distinct homing capacity and effector function. This review addresses the heterogeneity of T CM and T EM , their differentiation stages, and the current models for their generation and maintenance in humans and mice.