Detection of CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses to bacterial infection in mice

Efficient activation of CD8+ T cells is critical for bacterial resistance and eradicating malignancy in the body. Here, we present a step-by-step protocol to use Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA (LmOVA) to stimulate endogenous CD8+ T cells. We describe the steps for adoptive transfer of OT-I CD8+ T cells to CD45.1 mice and then detail the steps for detection of the antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in response to LmOVA. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wu et al. (2021).