Although CD8 T cells are key players in neuro-inflammation, little is known about their trafficking cues into the central nervous system (CNS). We used a murine model of CNS autoimmunity to define the molecules involved in cytotoxic CD8 T-cell migration into the CNS. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, we here show that the α4β1-integrin is essential for CD8 T-cell interaction with CNS endothelium. We also investigated which α4β1-integrin ligands expressed by endothelial cells are implicated. The blockade of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 did not protect against autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and only partly decreased the CD8 T-cell infiltration into the CNS. In addition, inhibition of junctional adhesion molecule-B expressed by CNS endothelial cells also decreases CD8 T-cell infiltration. CD8 T cells may use additional and possibly unidentified adhesion molecules to gain access to the CNS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.