CD8+ T-CELL INTERACTIONS WITH TOXOPLASMA-GONDII - IMPLICATIONS FOR PROCESSING OF ANTIGEN FOR CLASS-I-RESTRICTED RECOGNITION

CD8+ T lymphocytes contribute to the control of acute and chronic T. gondii infection, and the activity of these cells is closely related to IFNγ production. However, it is not clear whether CD8+ lymphocytes mediate protection solely by production of IFNγ, or whether the lymphokine synergizes with CD8+ CTL activity. Interestingly, sensitization of bone marrow macrophages for CTL lysis can occur either as a result of infection or incubation with soluble T. gondii antigen. Thus, this system offers a powerful approach for analysing antigen processing pathways employed by intracellular protozoa, as well as for identifying the peptide epitopes which serve as targets for CDS+-dependent immunity. © 1993 Institute Pasteur/Elsevier.