CD8A and leishmaniasis: Although much of the protection against Leishmania is mediated by Th1 CD4+ cells,[30] Leishmania-reactive IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells have also been associated with cure of some forms of leishmaniasis.[31] In addition, mononuclear cells from healthy individuals with no previous exposure to Leishmania proliferate in response to Leishmania antigens in conjunction with high IFN-γ and IL-6 response.[32]