Tissue-Resident T Cells in Chronic Relapsing–Remitting Intestinal Disorders

Tissue-resident memory T (T(RM)) cells critically contribute to the rapid immunoprotection and efficient immunosurveillance against pathogens, particularly in barrier tissues, but also during anti-tumor responses. However, the involvement of T(RM) cells also in the induction and exacerbation of immunopathologies, notably in chronically relapsing auto-inflammatory disorders, is becoming increasingly recognized as a critical factor. Thus, T(RM) cells may also represent an attractive target in the management of chronic (auto-) inflammatory disorders, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this review, we focus on current concepts of T(RM) cell biology, particularly in the intestine, and discuss recent findings on their involvement in chronic relapsing–remitting inflammatory disorders. Potential therapeutic strategies to interfere with these T(RM) cell-mediated immunopathologies are discussed.