Effector Functions of Conventional and Unconventional()-Specific T Cells.

Effector T cells are central to immune defense against(), exerting complex and multifaceted roles that contribute to both protection and immunopathology. CD4T cells activate macrophages, maintain granulomas, and coordinate broad immune functions through diverse subsets, including cytokine-producing, cytotoxic, and regulatory cells. CD8T cells target infected cells through cytolytic activity and cytokine secretion, while unconventional T cells provide rapid, innate-like responses, particularly at mucosal sites. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics have revealed heterogeneity, functional plasticity, and spatial compartmentalization among T-cell subsets. Tissue-resident memory T cells in the lung parenchyma have emerged as key predictors of protective immunity. These insights are reshaping our understanding of T-cell-mediated control ofand highlight the limitations of interferon (IFN)-γ-centric vaccine strategies. Future strategies must aim to elicit a broader range of T-cell responses, promote effective tissue localization, enhance polyfunctionality, and overcome regulatory or exhaustion-associated dysfunctions.