DatasheetSDS

CD8 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein found on most cytotoxic T-lymphocytes that mediate efficient cell- cell interaction within the immune system. The dimeric cell-surface glycoprotein CD8 is crucial to the positive selection of cytotoxic T cells in the thymus. It acts as a co receptor with the T-cell receptor on the T lymphocytes to recognize antigens displayed by an antigen presenting cell in the context of class 1 MHC molecules. The co receptor functions as either a homodimer composed of 2 alpha chains or as a heterodimer composed of one alpha and one beta chain. Both chains share significant homology to immunoglobulin variable light chains. A study has confirmed that CD8 expression is a recurrent albeit rare phenomenon in patients with CLL and suggests that CD8 expression has an adverse prognostic impact. Therefore, CD8 expression should be further investigated for its potential to contribute to risk stratification in patients with CLL.