Effector and memory CD8+ T cells as seen in immunity to malaria.
Transgenic (Tg) mice carrying a T-cell receptor (TCR) specific for a CD8(+) T-cell epitope expressed in pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium yoelii has proven to be a valuable tool to advance our understanding of this anti-parasite T-cell response, as it occurs in vivo. The visualization of CD8(+) T cells in vivo and ex vivo greatly facilitated research aimed at characterizing basic features of this T-cell response such as the kinetics of differentiation and proliferation and the in vivo antigen presentation. Importantly, this research unveiled the existence of early self-regulatory mechanisms controlling the magnitude of the CD8(+) T-cell response and also identified CD4(+) T cells as critical elements in the development of memory populations. This review discusses our recent research using Tg mice and highlights our progress in understanding the CD8(+) T-cell-mediated immunity against malaria liver stages.
Morrot
Alexandre
A
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Zavala
Fidel
F
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010962:Plasmodium berghei / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D010967:Plasmodium yoelii / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*