From the draining lymph node to the liver: the induction and effector mechanisms of malaria-specific CD8⁺ T cells

Parasitic protozoa cause considerable disease in humans and, due to their intracellular life cycle, induce robust CD8⁺ T cell responses. A greater understanding of the factors that promote and maintain CD8⁺ T cell-mediated immunity against these pathogens is likely needed for the development of effective vaccines. Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites, the infectious stage of the malaria parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, is an excellent model to study these questions as CD8⁺ T cells specific for a single epitope can completely eliminate parasite infection in the liver. Furthermore, live, radiation-attenuated parasites represent the “gold standard” for malaria vaccination. Here, we will highlight recent studies aimed at understanding the factors required for the induction, recruitment, and maintenance of effector and memory CD8⁺ T cells against malaria liver stages.