The adaptive immune response mediated by T cells is critical for control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection in humans. However, the M. tuberculosis antigens and host T‐cell responses that are required for an effective adaptive immune response to M. tuberculosis infection are yet to be defined. Here, we review recent findings on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T‐cell responses to M. tuberculosis infection and examine the roles of distinct M. tuberculosis‐specific T‐cell subsets in control of de novo and latent M. tuberculosis infection, and in the evolution of T‐cell immunity to M. tuberculosis in response to tuberculosis treatment. In addition, we discuss recent studies that elucidate aspects of M. tuberculosis‐specific adaptive immunity during human immunodeficiency virus co‐infection and summarize recent findings from vaccine trials that provide insight into effective adaptive immune responses to M. tuberculosis infection.