Cluster of Differentiation 8b (CD8b) Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

The CD8 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein found on most cytotoxic T lymphocytes that mediates efficient cell-cell interactions within the immune system. The CD8 antigen, acting as a coreceptor, and the T-cell receptor on the T lymphocyte recognize antigens displayed by an antigen presenting cell (APC) in the context of class I MHC molecules. The functional coreceptor is either a homodimer composed of two alpha chains, or a heterodimer composed of one alpha and one beta chain. Both alpha and beta chains share significant homology to immunoglobulin variable light chains. This gene encodes the CD8 beta chain isoforms. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct membrane associated or secreted isoforms have been described. A pseudogene, also located on chromosome 2, has been identified. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010]

CD8B: Identifies cytotoxic/suppressor T-cells that interact with MHC class I bearing targets. CD8 is thought to play a role in the process of T-cell mediated killing. 8 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 2p12

Cellular Component: T cell receptor complex; integral to plasma membrane; early endosome membrane; plasma membrane; extracellular region; external side of plasma membrane

Molecular Function: protein binding; MHC class I protein binding; coreceptor activity

Biological Process: regulation of immune response; T cell activation; viral reproduction; immune response; regulation of defense response to virus by virus; transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway