AUTHOR=Reschke Robin , Deitert Benjamin , Enk Alex H. , Hassel Jessica C. 

TITLE=The role of tissue-resident memory T cells as mediators for response and toxicity in immunotherapy-treated melanoma—two sides of the same coin?

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385781

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385781

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) have become an interesting subject of study for anti-tumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors. In initial phases of anti-tumor immunity, they maintain an immune equilibrium and protect against challenges with tumor cells and formation of primary melanomas. In metastatic settings, they are a prime target cell population for immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) because they highly express inhibitory checkpoint molecules such as PD-1, CTLA-4 or LAG-3. Once melanoma patients are treated with ICI, TRMs cells residing in the tumor are re-activated and expand. Tumor killing is achieved by secreting effector molecules such as IFN-γ. However, off-target effects are also observed. Immune-related adverse events, such as those affecting barrier organs like the skin, can be mediated by ICI-induced TRMs cells. Therefore, detailed understanding of this memory T cell type is obligatory to better guide and improve immunotherapy regimens.