Multiple developmental pathways lead to the generation of CD4 T-cell memory

Long-term immunological memory mediated by CD4 T cells provides a rapid protection against previously encountered pathogens or antigens. However, it is still controversial how memory CD4 T cells are generated and maintained. Unclear definitions of T-cell memory may be partially responsible for this controversy. It is becoming clear that diverse pathways are responsible for the differentiation and long-term persistence of memory T cells. We herein discuss the diversity of memory cell generation, describing a novel population of resting memory CD4 T cells and their precursors.