Anti-CD8 alpha antibody
Clone: C8/144B
CD8 alpha also known as CD8A or CD8 protein is a glycoprotein subunit expressed on the surface of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. It has a mass of approximately 32 kDa. Found on the surface cell membrane CD8 alpha functions primarily in the immune response specifically in the recognition of antigens bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Often scientists use CD8 antibodies for detection and CD8 IHC or immunohistochemistry for localization studies.The CD8 alpha protein plays a critical role in T-cell mediated immune responses. It forms a heterodimer with the CD8 beta chain creating the CD8 alpha-beta complex that strengthens T-cell interaction with antigen-presenting cells. CD8 alpha also helps in signaling processes that activate T cells equipping them to destroy infected or malignant cells. Researchers often study CD8 alpha peptides to understand its interactions better.