Tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells amplify anti-tumor immunity by triggering antigen spreading through dendritic cells.

Tissue-resident memory CD8 T (Trm) cells mediate potent local innate and adaptive immune responses and play a central role against solid tumors. However, whether Trm cells cross-talk with dendritic cells (DCs) to support anti-tumor immunity remains unclear. Here we show that antigen-specific activation of skin Trm cells leads to maturation and migration to draining lymph nodes of cross-presenting dermal DCs.

Vaccination-induced skin-resident memory CD8 T cells mediate strong protection against cutaneous melanoma.

Memory CD8 T cell responses have the potential to mediate long-lasting protection against cancers. Resident memory CD8 T (Trm) cells stably reside in non-lymphoid tissues and mediate superior innate and adaptive immunity against pathogens. Emerging evidence indicates that Trm cells develop in human solid cancers and play a key role in controlling tumor growth.