Memory vs memory-like: The different facets of CD8+ T-cell memory in HCV infection

Memory CD8(+) T cells are essential in orchestrating protection from re-infection. Hallmarks of virus-specific memory CD8(+) T cells are the capacity to mount recall responses with rapid induction of effector cell function and antigen-independent survival. Growing evidence reveals that even chronic infection does not preclude virus-specific CD8(+) T-cell memory formation. However, whether this kind of CD8(+) T-cell memory that is established during chronic infection is indeed functional and provides protection from re-infection is still unclear. Human chronic hepatitis C virus infection represents a unique model system to study virus-specific CD8(+) T-cell memory formation during and after cessation of persisting antigen stimulation.