CHARACTERIZATION OF LIVER LYMPHOMYELOID CELLS IN MICE INFECTED WITH PLASMODIUM-YOELII SPOROZOITES

We have isolated, characterized and quantified the immunocompetent cel ls present in the extravascular hepatic compartment at various stages after Plasmodium yoelii malaria infection with sporozoites. Cytologica l analyses revealed a predominantly lymphoid population. In mice with a primary infection, the predominant cells were CD4(+), CD8(+) and B l ymphocytes. In fully protected mice, CD3(+) CD4(-) CD8(-) and polymorp honuclear cells, particularly eosinophils, were most common. The signi ficance of changes in subpopulations is discussed in relation to antig en presentation and host-protective mechanisms.