We further speculate that the increase in CD8+ T cell response observed in the context of CD154:CD11b blockade may not be enough to result in reduction in viral load in an otherwise immunocompetent setting in which virus is largely controlled; however, it is possible that the increase in high-quality memory T cells may prove advantageous for better viral control over time or in the face of recurrent infection. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and infection.