Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T (CD8 T) cells are an essential component of protective immune responses at barrier tissues, including the female genital tract. However, the mechanisms that lead to the initiation of CD8 T-mediated protective immunity after viral infection are unclear. Here we report that CD8 T cells established by 'prime and pull' method confer protection against genital HSV-2 infection, and that IFN-γ produced by CD8 T cells is required for this protection. Furthermore, we find that CD8 T-cell restimulation depends on a population of CD301b antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the lamina propria. Elimination of MHC class I on CD301b dendritic cells abrogates protective immunity, suggesting the requirement for cognate antigen presentation to CD8 T cells by CD301b dendritic cells. These results define the requirements for CD8 T cells in protection against genital HSV-2 infection and identify the population of APC that are responsible for activating these cells.