Mast cell-dependent migration of effector CD8+ T cells through production of leukotriene B4

Studies in both humans and rodents indicate that CD8(+) T cells may be important in allergic inflammation. However, neither the mechanisms that mediate CD8(+) T cell recruitment to inflamed tissues nor the relative participation of effector and central memory CD8(+) T cells is known. Here we report that activated mast cells induced chemotaxis of effector, but not central memory, CD8(+) T cells through production of leukotriene B-4 (LTB4). These studies indicate that LTB4 production by activated peripheral leukocytes could be important for the recruitment of effector CD8(+) T cells to sites of inflammation.