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.