A method of producing a population of CD8+ Tc9 lymphocytes is provided including priming a population of naïve CD8+ T cells by contacting the population of naïve CD8+ T cells with an immunogenic peptide, in the presence of a Tc9 supportive environment, thereby producing a population of CD8+ Tc9 lymphocytes which secrete IL-9. Purified populations of CD8+Tc9 cells are also disclosed herein, as are method for their use in the treatment of cancer in a subject.
