Activated CD8(+) T cells are involved in elimination of Candida albicans from the livers of mice

We have investigated the course of infection of Balb/c mice with Candida albicans. After intravenous infection of mice, the yeasts were evenly distributed in the liver sections. There was a 90% reduction in the yeasts found within 7 days after infection. This reduction was accompanied by an increase in the number of phagocytic cells (Mac-1(+), Gr-1(+)) in cellular infiltrates around the yeast cells. Furthermore, both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were found in these pseudogranulomata, with the CD8(+) cells in the periphery. Peak amounts of the cell types investigated were found at days 5 and 6 post infection, with an increased expression of receptors for interleukin 2 (IL-2R) on the surface of CD8(+) cells. At day 14 of infection, the same levels as those in control mice were reached. At this time, the yeasts were virtually eliminated from the liver. By using simultaneous detection of cell surface markers and yeast cells in immunohistology, these data demonstrate the close association of fungal cells, phagocytes, T-H and T-c cells in pseudogranulomata during elimination of Candida albicans from the livers of mice.