T cells play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity, acting as central orchestrators in immune regulation, pathogen clearance, and tumor surveillance. Recent technological advancements, particularly in single-cell analyses, molecular imaging, and systems immunology, have provided unparalleled insights into how T cells are activated, differentiate, and adapt. Studies have shed light on key processes such as antigen recognition, immunological synapse formation, and execution of effector functions like cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and release of extracellular vesicles. However, understanding how T cell effectors operate effectively across diverse physiological and pathological settings requires further exploration.

This Research Topic aims to delve deep into the mechanisms of T cell effector function, exploring how these cells recognize antigens and achieve precise immune responses. By focusing on cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, extracellular vesicle release and interactions with other immune cells, we aim to enhance our understanding of the role of T cells roles in health and disease. This endeavor seeks to translate fundamental insights into therapeutic strategies that leverage T cell actions against various infections, cancers, autoimmune disorders, and immunodeficiencies.

Our exploration extends from basic discoveries in T cell biology to applied research in therapeutic applications. The scope includes:

• T cell responses in infection, cancer, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency.
• Unconventional T cell subsets like MAIT cells, γδ T cells, and tissue-resident memory T cells.
• Molecular foundations of T cell receptor signaling, co-stimulation, checkpoint regulation, and metabolic influences.
• Influence of spatial organization within lymphoid tissues on T cell priming.
• Mechanistic studies linking T cell functions to disease outcomes or therapeutic resistance

We invite contributions that may tackle themes including but not limited to:

• Design and optimization of adoptive T cell therapies.
• Design and optimization of therapies based on T cell-derived extracellular vesicles and particles
• Modulation of T cell responses through vaccines or biologics.
• Strategies to rejuvenate exhausted or senescent T cells.
• Computational or systems immunology studies that model T cell behavior.

This interdisciplinary approach seeks to provide an encompassing and visionary perspective on harnessing T cell effector functions, from molecular intricacies to paving the way for innovative immunotherapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes across immune-related diseases.

Micheal L Dustin is the Founder at Granza Bio, Consultant for Labgenius, Molecular Partners, Stereo. He also receives research funding from Regeneron and Evolvimmune. All the other topic editors declare no conflicts of interest

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Harnessing T Cell Effectors: From Mechanisms to Therapies