T cell trafficking in human chronic inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Summary: Circulating T cells, which migrate from the periphery to sites of tissue inflammation, play a crucial role in the development of various chronic inflammatory conditions. Recent research has highlighted subsets of tissue-resident T cells that acquire migratory capabilities and re-enter circulation, referred to here as “recirculating T cells.” In this review, we examine recent advancements in understanding the biology of T cell trafficking in diseases where T cell infiltration is pivotal, such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as in metabolic disorders where the role of T cell migration is less understood. Additionally, we discuss current insights into therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating T cell circulation across tissues and the application of state-of-the-art technologies for studying recirculation in humans. This review underscores the significance of investigating T trafficking as a novel potential target for therapeutic interventions across a spectrum of human chronic inflammatory diseases.

Keywords

• components of the immune system
• human metabolism
• immunology
• physiology