CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses to lentiviruses and herpesviruses

Immune containment of persistent viral infections has long been a focus of interest for investigators. However, the technologies needed to evaluate th e role of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in this process have only r ecently become available. Recent studies performed using tetramer, ELISPOT and cytokine-production assays have evaluated the role of CD8(+) CTLs in co ntrolling lentivirus and herpesvirus infections in humans and nonhuman prim ates. These studies demonstrate dramatic expansions of virus-specific CTLs in primary infection and the maintenance of unexpectedly high levels of vir us-specific CTLs in chronic infection. These findings underscore the import ance of CD8(+) CTLs in the immune control of persistent viral infections.