T-cell memory: lessons from Epstein-Barr virus infection in man

Epstein-Barr virus offers an ideal opportunity to follow the human T-cell r esponse to a virus infection over time from its acute primary phase, as see n in infectious mononucleosis patients, into the memory phase that accompan ies life-long virus persistence. Here we review recent evidence on the deve lopment and maturation of cytotoxic T-cell memory using this viral system.