Immune CD8+ T cells prevent reactivation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the immunocompromised host (original) (raw)

Toxoplasma gondii remains a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals that are immunosuppressed, patients with AIDS in particular. The cellular immune response, especially by gamma interferon (IFN-␥)-producing CD8 ؉ T cells, is an essential component of protective immunity against the parasite. In the present study the role of CD8 ؉ T cells during the reactivation of Toxoplasma infection in an immunocompromised murine model was evaluated. Chronically infected mice were challenged with LP-BM5 virus, and the kinetics of CD8 ؉ T-cell function was studied. At 10 weeks after viral infection, mice showed obvious signs of systemic illness and began to die.