Taken together with our results identifying CD8+ GZMK+ IFNG+ T cell subsets that are predicted to have low cytotoxicity based on transcriptomic gene expression, CD8+ T cells in LD may comprise distinct subsets, one capable of promoting an inflammatory state early in Bb infection in the skin or CNS while minimizing tissue damage, and others with cytotoxic potential contributing to adverse sequelae. Here, GZMK is linked to infection.