CD8+ T cells confer sterile immunity against Pb-independent of B cells or CD4+ T cells.18 In rodent and nonhuman primate models, depletion of CD8+ T cells abrogates sterile immunity after RAS immunization, whilst their restoration reinstates the protection.140,143 However, the effector mechanisms of these malaria PE-specific CD8+ T cells are not well characterized. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is malaria.