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Key features: Pathogens such as viruses, some intracellular bacteria target CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs)
CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) are a heterogeneous group of immune effector cells that mediate direct killing of infected or malignant cells. Their diversity arises from differentiation state, cytokine profile, activation status, and tissue localization.
Effector molecules: Perforin / Perforin-1, Granzymes, Granulysin, Fas ligand (FasL), IFN gamma (often), Lymphotoxin alfa (LT alfa), TNF alfa
If a quorum of CD8 T cells is present, their activation would be CD4 T cell independent
CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) express a dimeric co-receptor, CD8, composed of one CD8 alfa & one CD8 beta chain. Cytotoxic T cells have to be activated by costimulating molecules such as CD80 / CD86
CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) are thought to constitute main effector of the anti-tumor immune response
Cytotoxic T cell (CTL) are usually produced from mixed suspensions of human lymphocytes. This process involves stimulating them with a variety of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and external growth factors. Our research has shown that human blood dendritic cells have the capability to directly stimulate allogeneic human CD8+ T cells. This stimulation leads to their proliferation and the expression of antigen-specific cytotoxic activity.
In some cases DC are able to directly activate CD8+ T cell without a requirement for CD4+ T cell help
Priming of CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) by CD4+ T helper cells is well documented