These studies demonstrate that early recruitment of non-specific CD8 T cells is a common feature of respiratory infections, including influenza virus infection; however, analysis of viral load and illness outcome measures were not always included, and additional studies are needed to determine the extent to which bystander-activated CD8 T cells can contribute to the early immune response and control of a pathogen and/or the risk of immunopathology due to excessive T cell responses. Here, CD8A is linked to respiratory tract infectious disorder.