Views of immunology: effector T cells

Summary:  For many intracellular bacteria, both adaptively acquired and innately encoded effector T cells play a central role in the control, and in some cases, clearance of these pathogens. Through the rapid identification of those cells harboring intracellular bacteria, effector T cells have the capacity to both directly control the infection and shape the immune response to the pathogen. Here, we review the mechanisms by which effector T cells control intracellular infection and emphasize the means by which they recognize their targets. As will become evident, the diversity of both redundant and non‐redundant effector mechanisms in conjunction with broad recognition of both protein and non‐protein antigens allows for the identification of a broad array of bacterial pathogens and lessens the likelihood of immune evasion.