Date Published:

2023 May 08

Abstract:

T cells play critical roles in the immune system, including in responses to cancer, autoimmunity and tissue regeneration. T cells arise from common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) which differentiate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. CLPs then traffic to the thymus, where they undergo thymopoiesis via a number of selection steps, resulting in mature single positive naïve CD4 helper or CD8 cytotoxic T cells. Naïve T cells home to secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes and are primed by antigen presenting cells (APCs), which scavenge for both foreign and self-antigens. Effector T cell function is multi-faceted, including direct target cell lysis and secretion of cytokines which regulate the functions of other immune cells (refer to Graphical Abstract). This review will discuss T cell development and function, from the development of lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow to principles that govern T cell effector function and dysfunction, specifically within the context of cancer.