Figure 2.

Potential antigen presenting cells during the pre-erythrocytic phase of malaria parasite infection eliciting tolerance or effective immune responses (CTLs). Presentation of sporozoite antigens to CD8 T cells in the liver could occur either by hepatocytes or cross-presenting hepatic cells (LSEC and maybe KC). Although activation by all these cells should lead to tolerance, T cells recognizing sporozoite antigens expressed by infected hepatocytes with high affinity might differentiate into full effector cells. Malarial antigens can also be presented in skin and liver draining LNs by cross-presenting DCs. This activation should lead to efficient priming and CTLs. The fate of effector cells generated in the liver and lymphoid tissues and re-encountering tolerogenic APCs in the liver (red arrows) is unknown.