During viral infections, antibodies and T cells act together to prevent pathogen spread and remove virus-infected cells. Virus-specific adaptive immunity can, however, also trigger pathological processes characterized by localized or systemic inflammatory events. The protective and/or pathological role of virus-specific T cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been the focus of many studies in COVID-19 patients and in vaccinated individuals. Here, we review the works that have elucidated the function of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in patients and in vaccinated individuals. Understanding whether SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are more linked to protection or pathogenesis is pivotal to define future therapeutic and prophylactic strategies to manage the current pandemic.

在病毒感染期间，抗体和 T 细胞共同作用，防止病原体传播并清除病毒感染的细胞。然而，病毒特异性适应性免疫也可以引发以局部或全身炎症事件为特征的病理过程。病毒特异性 T 细胞在 SARS-CoV-2 感染中的保护性和/或病理性作用一直是针对 COVID-19 患者和疫苗接种个体的许多研究的焦点。在此，我们回顾了阐明患者和接种疫苗个体中 SARS-CoV-2 特异性 T 细胞功能的研究。了解 SARS-CoV-2 特异性 T 细胞是否与保护或发病机制更相关，对于确定未来应对当前大流行的治疗和预防策略至关重要。