Tissue-resident memory T cells provide better protection at peripheral sites than do circulating memory T cells, but their entry into tissues is controlled by inflammation or infection. In Nature, Shin and Iwasaki apply a 'prime-and-pull' vaccine strategy to enhance the recruitment of circulating activated T cells, generated by subcutaneous vaccination, into the genital-tract mucosa. In a model of subcutaneous immunization of mice with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), topical application of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 induces the recruitment of HSV-specific effector CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to the genital tract. A stable CD8+ memory T cell population is maintained locally after chemokine 'pull' and protects mice against spreading of the virus to the sensory neurons and the development of clinical symptoms during genital infection with HSV-2. This strategy could be a promising approach for protection against sexual transmitted diseases, including infection with human immunodeficiency virus.

Nature (17 October 2012) doi:10.1038/nature11522