Analysis of Mitochondrial Function in Antigen Specific na ve, Effector and MEmory CD8 + T Cells

. CD8 T cells play a critical role in the clearance of intracellular pathogens such as viruses and certain bacteria. Before encounter of antigen these cells are naive. After antigen encounter they become activated, begin to proliferate and acquire effector functions including cytokine production and cytolysis. These cells are effector cells. After clearance of the pathogen a death phase ensues. During this time 90-95% of the antigen specific effector cells will undergo apoptosis. The surviving cells are memory cells which can persist at constant numbers for the life of the mouse (1) (2). These cells will rapidly respond to a secondary infection and provide the basis for vaccination.