Mouse Anti-Human CD8α Antibody (OKT-8)

CD8α is a crucial immune glycoprotein that plays a vital role in the immune response by serving as a co-receptor for the T-cell receptor (TCR) on cytotoxic T cells. It forms either a homodimer (α/α) or a heterodimer with CD8β (α/β) to interact with MHC class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), facilitating the recognition of intracellular pathogens such as viruses. CD8α also recruits the LCK kinase, which initiates downstream signaling pathways essential for T-cell activation and proliferation. This molecule is critical for the function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and is involved in various immune-related diseases, including immunodeficiencies and autoimmune conditions.