Homeostasis of the Memory T Cell Pool

Memory T cells are critical for the establishment of long-term immunity. The number of memory T cells formed at the conclusion of the primary response is strongly influenced by the number of effector T cells generated in the response, but some factors can additionally enhance the efficiency and quality of memory cell recruitment. Homeostasis of the memory T cell pool depends on cytokine-mediated regulation of cell survival and proliferation. This review discusses factors that influence both the development and the maintenance of the memory T cell pool.