Both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes reduce the severity of tissue lesions in murine systemic candidiasis, and CD4+ cells also demonstrate strain-specific immunopathological effects

Research was conducted to examine the role of T lymphocytes in host responses to sublethal systemic infection with Candida albicans using mAb depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells from CBA/CaH and BALB/c mice which develop severe and mild tissue damage, respectively. Results reveal that both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes contribute to the reduction of tissue damage after systemic infection with C. albicans. Findings also provide evidence that the development and expression of CD4+ lymphocyte effector function is influenced by the genetic background of the mouse.