Long-term success in lung transplantation is limited by obliterative bronchiolitis, while T cell effector mechanisms in this process remain incompletely understood. Using the mouse heterotopic allogeneic airway transplant model, we studied T cell effector responses during obliterative airways disease (OAD). Allospecific CD8⁺IFN-⁺ T cells were detected in airway allografts, with significant co-expression of TNF- and granzyme B. Therefore, using IFN- as a surrogate marker, we assessed the distribution and kinetics of extragraft allo-specific T cells during OAD. Robust allospecific IFN- was produced by the draining lymph nodes, spleen and lung mononuclear cells (LMNC) from allograft, but not isograft recipients by day 14, and significantly decreased by day 28. While the majority of allospecific T cells were CD8⁺, allospecific CD4⁺ T cells were also detected in these compartments, with each employing distinct allorecognition pathways. An influx of pluripotent CD8⁺ effector cells with a memory phenotype were detected in the lung during OAD similar to those seen in the allografts and secondary lymphoid tissue. Antibody depletion of CD8⁺ T cells markedly reduced airway lumen obliteration and fibrosis at day 28. Together, these data demonstrate that allospecific CD8⁺ effector T cells play an important role in OAD and traffic to the lung following heterotopic airway transplant, suggesting the lung is an important immunologic site, and perhaps a reservoir, for effector cells during the rejection process.