Human epidermal resident memory T cells: beyond the dermal perspective

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The human epidermis contains abundant populations of conventional and regulatory tissue-resident memory T cells.
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Epidermal TRM cells are characterized by CD8+CD69+CD103+ populations and include specialized cytotoxic subsets.
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Interactions among TRM cells, Langerhans cells, and keratinocytes maintain epidermal immune homeostasis.
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Epidermal TRM cells are implicated in diseases such as HIV infection, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.
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The epidermis is recognized as an autonomous immunological compartment, challenging the dermis-centric view of immunity.

Frontiers In Immunology

by Youichi Ogawa, Takuya Sato, Lisa Minai, Manao Kinoshita, Shinji Shimada, Tatsuyoshi Kawamura
July 16, 2026

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