Diversity in CD8 + T cell differentiation

Abstract

CD8+ T cells are key effector cells of the adaptive immune system, however their activity must be tightly regulated to allow pathogen clearance whilst preventing immunopathology and autoimmunity. In this review, we summarise the diversity of responses that CD8+ T cells make to antigenic stimulation with a focus on how CD8+ T cell responses are regulated to achieve different immune outcomes. In particular, we discuss phenotypic diversity during tolerance induction as well as signals that drive effector and memory cell differentiation in response to infection.