CD8A Antibody

CD8A is an integral membrane glycoprotein that plays a critical role in the immune response. It performs multiple functions in defending against both external and internal threats. In T-cells, CD8A primarily serves as a coreceptor for MHC class I molecule:peptide complexes. Class I peptides present antigens derived from cytosolic proteins, while class II peptides present antigens derived from extracellular proteins. CD8A interacts simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and MHC class I proteins presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This interaction recruits the Src kinase LCK to the TCR-CD3 complex, initiating various intracellular signaling pathways by phosphorylating key substrates. Ultimately, this leads to lymphokine production, cell motility, adhesion, and activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). This mechanism enables CTLs to recognize and eliminate infected cells and tumor cells. In NK-cells, CD8A homodimers at the cell surface promote survival, allowing conjugation and lysis of multiple target cells. CD8A homodimer molecules also contribute to the survival and differentiation of activated lymphocytes into memory CD8 T-cells.