You Shall Not Pass: Memory CD8 T Cells in Liver-Stage Malaria

Abstract

Each year over 200 million malaria infections occur with over 400 thousand associated deaths. Certain vaccines based on attenuated whole parasites can induce protective memory CD8 T cell responses against liver-stage malaria, however, widespread administration of such vaccines is logistically challenging. Recent scientific advances are delineating how protective memory CD8 T cell populations are primed and maintained, and how such cells mediate immunity to liver-stage malaria. Memory CD8 T cell anatomical localization and expression of transcription factors, homing receptors, and signaling molecules appear to play integral roles in protective immunity to liver-stage malaria. Further investigation of how such factors contribute to optimal protective memory CD8 T cell generation and maintenance in humans will inform efforts for improved vaccines.