title: CD8(+) T cells in leishmania infections: friends or foes?
abstract: Host protection against several intracellular pathogens requires the induction of CD8(+) T cell responses. CD8(+) T cells are potent effector cells that can produce high amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and kill infected target cells efficiently. However, a protective role for CD8(+) T cells during Leishmania infections is still controversial and largely depends on the infection model. In this review, we discuss the role of CD8(+) T cells during various types of Leishmania infections, following vaccination, and as potential immunotherapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Armand Frappier, Université du Québec Laval, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stäger
authors.forename: Sima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rafati