In this study, Cyster and colleagues investigated whether a population of migratory mouse dermal γδ T cells that produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) and express the T cell receptor Vγ4 can develop immune memory. Following local imiquimod treatment — which induces skin inflammation — the authors found that this population of γδ T cells expands in draining lymph nodes and migrates through the blood to distant skin sites and peripheral lymph nodes, where they can persist for months. After secondary challenge at a distant skin site, memory-like γδ T cells expanded more rapidly and produced more IL-17 than after primary challenge and thereby enabled a faster skin inflammatory response. This memory feature enhances protection against repeated exposure to pathogens, but it might also exaggerate chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis.