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. 1999 Dec;29(12):3978-86.
doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-4141(199912)29:12<3978::AID-IMMU3978>3.0.CO;2-0.

Memory phenotype CD8(+) T cells persist in livers of mice protected against malaria by immunization with attenuated Plasmodium berghei sporozoites

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Memory phenotype CD8(+) T cells persist in livers of mice protected against malaria by immunization with attenuated Plasmodium berghei sporozoites

M Guebre-Xabier et al. Eur J Immunol. 1999 Dec.
Free article

Abstract

Natural exposure to Plasmodium parasites induces short-lived protective immunity. In contrast, exposure to radiation-attenuated sporozoites (gamma spz) promotes long-lasting protection that is in part mediated by CD8(+) T cells that target exoerythrocytic stage antigens. The mechanisms underlying the maintenance of long-lasting protection are currently unclear. The liver is a repository of Plasmodium antigens and may support the development and / or homing of memory T cells. While activated CD8(+) T cells are presumed to die in the liver, the fate of anti-Plasmodium CD8(+) T cells remains unknown. We propose that inflammatory conditions in the liver caused by Plasmodium parasites may allow some effector CD8(+) T cells to survive and develop into memory cells. To support this hypothesis, in this initial study we demonstrate that liver mononuclear cells from P. berghei gamma spz-immune mice transferred protection to naive recipients and moreover, that CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells responded to Plasmodium antigens by up-regulating activation / memory markers. While CD4(+) T cells under went a transient activation following immunization with gamma spz, CD8(+) T cells expanded robustly after spz challenge and exhibited stable expression of CD44(hi) and CD45RB(lo) during protracted protection. These results establish a key role for intrahepatic T cells in long-lasting protection against malaria.

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