Volume 16 Issue 2, February 2016

Downregulation of the T-box transcription factors eomesodermin (EOMES) and T-bet drives tissue-resident memory T cell fate.

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells drive memory T helper 2 cell responses by licensing dendritic cells.

Tracking of human memory T cells infused after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation indicates that long-term persistent memory T cells originate mainly from stem cell memory T cells and are favoured by antigen rechallenge.

Memory B cells are produced early, whereas long-lived plasma cells are produced late, in the germinal centre response.

The longevity hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 can act as a regulator of thymic T cell production during ageing.

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor DENND1B specifically regulates TCR signalling in T_H2 cells and protects against allergy.

Neutrophils support the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs through the production of leukotrienes.

Decreased cholesterol metabolism in response to virus infection potentiates the type I interferon-mediated antiviral response.

Peter Doherty describes the 1962 paper by Jim Gowans that characterized lymphocyte-mediated immunity.

A rare population of neuroendocrine cells in the lung epithelium can shape immune responses and tissue remodelling in the lungs.

The recent discovery that some memory T cells can become tissue resident after infection warrants further study into the mechanisms and therapeutic implications of such enhanced regional immunity.

In this Review, the authors detail the emerging evidence that supports the existence of memory populations of regulatory T (T_Reg) cells. They explain the immunological settings in which memory T_Regcells develop, discuss the physiological relevance of these cells and address some of the key questions that remain for this rapidly evolving field.

The development and maintenance of protective CD8⁺ T cell memory require help. This is provided by CD4⁺ T cells in many ways. Here, the authors review the latest insights into this multifaceted role for CD4⁺T cells, and the implications for vaccine design and T cell-based therapies.

This Review focuses on our growing understanding of immunological memory behaviour in natural killer (NK) cells. The authors discuss the development and functions of memory NK cells and consider the potential of targeting these populations for vaccination or therapeutic purposes.

In this Viewpoint article,Nature Reviews Immunologyinvites five experts to discuss the nature of immunological memory. How should we define a memory response? And can innate immune cells — as well as lymphocytes — develop into memory populations? The contributors share their thoughts on these questions and other key issues in the field.