Write 6 page essay on the topic Discuss the signals that shape the characteristics of the memory CD8+ T-cell response and discuss how manipulation of these signals has the potential to reshape CD8+ T-

Write 6 page essay on the topic Discuss the signals that shape the characteristics of the memory CD8+ T-cell response and discuss how manipulation of these signals has the potential to reshape CD8+ T-cell memory and improve the efficacy of vaccination.

The CD8+ T cells bind epitopes that are part of class I histocompatibility molecules. Almost all cells of the body express class I molecules. These cells have the role of recognizing antigens on the surface of a virus infected cell, binding to the cell ultimately destroying it (See Fig. I).

Recent research in immunotherapy has lead to an understanding that by enhancing certain immune responses it might be possible to develop better approaches to treat allergic and infectious diseases as well as aid in developing better vaccines (Bardi J.S., 2006). CD8+ T cells play an important role in eliciting immune response to invading pathogens and other noxious stimuli. These cells are also known as cytotoxic T cells and it has recently been found that their movement to the site of action is not random but guided by chemical signals released from other cells. Initially the CD8+ T cells are activated and mobilized in the lymph nodes. Once activated, they roam throughout the body and destroy cells infected with bacteria and viruses. The whole process is known as cell mediated immunity. Once the CD8+ cells encounter an infected cell, they release destroy the cell membrane and the protein content of the infected cell by releasing a plethora of lytic substances and concurrently produce molecules which help activate other immune cells. After the initial infection has been dealt with, some of these CD8+ T cells keep circulating inside the body as memory cells which have specificity for the same pathogen if reinfection occurs. These memory cells are the key factors on which newer vaccination strategies are under current intensive research. There are a number of other factors which are responsible for the activation of CD8+ cells to sustain as memory cells within the lymph node. Inside the lymph nodes a combination of physical and chemical cues guide these cells towards the sites of activation. For the CD8+ T cells to be