Distinct kinetics of effector CD8+ cytotoxic T cells after infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in naive or vaccinated mice

The kinetics of effector CD8(+)-T-cell responses to specific Trypanosoma cruzi epitopes was investigated after challenge. Our results suggest that the delayed kinetics differs from that observed in other microbial infections and facilitates the establishment of the disease in naive mice. In contrast, in vaccinated mice, the swift CD8(+)-T-cell response helps host survival after challenge.