Figure 4. Skin CD8⁺ T_RM also accumulate in unimmunized site after skin infection and are highly effective at eliminating virus.

a, 2×10⁶ Thy1.1⁺ OT-I cells were intravenously transferred into Thy1.2⁺ mice 1 day prior to 2×10⁶ PFU VACV-Ova skin scarification (s.s.). The numbers of OT-I cells in infected and uninfected skin were enumerated over time. b, The left ears of OT-I-infused B6 mice were infected with VACV-Ova. 20 and 30 days later, some of mice were challenged with 2×10⁶ PFU VACV-Ova on the tail and flank skin, respectively. All infection routes were s.s.. 30 days after challenge, Thy1.1⁺ OT-I cells in uninfected right ears were examined. c, The percentages of Thy1.1⁺ OT-I cells in uninfected right ears. d, The numbers of Thy1.1⁺ OT-I cells in uninfected right ears. Error bars, s.e.m. e, µMT mice were infected with VACV either by s.s. on one ear or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. 7 or 30 days later, mice were challenge with VACV on both ears via s.s. route. Daily i.p. injection of FTY720 was performed. f, g, 6 days later, viral loads in both infected and uninfected ears were measured. The mean and s.d. from triplicate qPCR runs are plotted. Data are representative of three independent experiments (n = 5 mice/group). **, P<0.01.