Virtual Memory CD8+ T Cells: Origin and Beyond

The presence of CD8+ T cells with a memory phenotype in nonimmunized mice has been noted for decades, but it was not until about 2 decades ago that they began to be studied in greater depth. Currently called virtual memory CD8+ T cells, they consist of a heterogeneous group of cells with memory characteristics, without any previous contact with their specific antigens. These cells were identified in mice, but a few years ago, a cell type with characteristics equivalent to the murine ones was described in healthy humans. In this review, we address the different aspects of its biology mainly developed in murine models and what is currently known about its cellular equivalent in humans.