CD8+ T Cells Specific for Immunodominant Trans-Sialidase Epitopes Contribute to Control of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection but Are Not Required for Resistance

Abstract excerpt

CD8(+) T cells are essential for controlling Trypanosoma cruzi infection. During Brazil strain infection, C57BL/6 mice expand parasite-specific CD8(+) T cells recognizing the dominant TSKB20 (ANYKFTLV) and subdominant TSKB74 (VNYDFTLV) trans-sialidase gene (TS)-encoded epitopes with up to 40% of all CD8(+) T cells specific for these epitopes. Although this is one of the largest immunodominant T cell responses...