A central question in immunology is the origin of Long-Lived T cell memory
that confers protection against recurrent infection. The differentiation of
nai:ve T cell receptor transgenic CD8(+) cells into effector cytotoxic T L
ymphocytes (CTLs) and memory CD8(+) cells was studied. Memory CD8(+) cells
that were generated after strong antigenic stimulation were the progeny of
cytotoxic effecters and retained antigen-specific cytolytic activity 10 wee
ks after adoptive transfer to antigen-free recipient mice. Thus, potential
vaccines based on CTL memory will require the differentiation of naiive cel
ls into post-effector memory T cells.