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CD8, also known as cluster of differentiation 8, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin family that plays a crucial role in T cell differentiation, activation, and signal transduction. It is expressed as either a heterodimer (CD8 alpha beta) or a homodimer (CD8 alpha alpha). The CD8 alpha beta form is predominantly found on the majority of thymocytes and a subpopulation of mature alpha beta TCR T cells, while the CD8 alpha alpha form is expressed on gamma delta TCR T cells, a subset of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and dendritic cells. CD8 functions as a co-receptor for major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, working alongside the T cell receptor (TCR). The CD8 alpha chain is essential for binding to MHC-I. CD8 is also expressed on a subset of T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells as disulfide-linked homodimers of CD8 alpha. Upon ligation of MHC-I/peptide complexes presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), CD8 recruits lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck), leading to lymphokine production, increased motility, and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Activated CTLs are vital for clearing pathogens and tumor cells. The differentiation of naive CD8+ T cells into CTLs is strongly enhanced by cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12, and TGF-beta1. Through its interactions with MHC-I and association with protein tyrosine kinase p56lck, CD8 plays a significant role in T cell development and the activation of mature T cells.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Not for resale without express authorization.
Protein Aliases: CD8 antigen, alpha polypeptide (p32); CD8 antigen, beta polypeptide 1 (p37); CD8a; CD8alpha; CD8b; CD8beta; fCD8; Leu-2; leu-2a; Leu2 T-lymphocyte antigen; OKT8 T-cell antigen; T cell co-receptor; T lymphocyte surface glycoprotein beta chain; T-cell antigen Leu2; T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 alpha chain; T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 beta chain; T-lymphocyte differentiation antigen T8/Leu-2; T8 T-cell antigen
Gene Aliases: CD8; CD8A; CD8B; CD8B1; LEU2; LY3; LYT3; MAL; p32; P37
UniProt ID: (Human) P01732, (Human) P10966
Entrez Gene ID: (Human) 925, (Human) 926
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