Memory T cells skew toward terminal differentiation in the CD8+ T cell population in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Stem cell memory T (T(SCM)) and central memory T (T(CM)) cells can rapidly differentiate into effector memory (T(EM)) and terminal effector (T(EF)) T cells, and have the most potential for immunotherapy. In this study, we found that the frequency of T(SCM) and T(CM) cells in the CD8+ population dramatically decreased together with increases in T(EM) and T(EF) cells, particularly in younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (< 60 years). These alterations persisted in patients who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy. The decrease in T(SCM) and T(CM) together with the increase in differentiated T(EM) and T(EF) subsets in CD8+ T cells may explain the reduced T cell response and subdued anti-leukemia capacity in AML patients.