Therefore, we extended our studies to investigate whether the baseline frequency of other defined T and NK cell subsets, and in particular memory CD8+ T cells, may correlate with features of HbAS‐mediated protection from malaria: (1) baseline frequency of the protection‐associated CD38dim NK cell subset,32 (2) baseline capacity to initiate an IFN‐γ response following mitogen stimulation,32 (3) delayed onset of clinical malaria,13, 36 and (4) capacity to control the parasite density.8, 9, 10. Here, CD8A is linked to malaria.