CD8 molecule (CD8)

The CD8 molecule is a dimeric cell surface glycoprotein composed of alpha and beta chains, expressed primarily on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells). It acts as a co-receptor for the T cell receptor (TCR) in recognizing antigens presented by MHC class I molecules. Therapeutic depletion of CD8+ T cells is achieved by targeting the CD8 molecule, most often with monoclonal antibodies. This strategy is used in research and occasionally clinical trial settings to study or control immune responses relevant to cancer, chronic infections, autoimmunity, and transplantation. The depletion of CD8+ T cells can profoundly alter immune homeostasis and poses notable risks, including increased infection susceptibility and potential effects on immune regulation.

Other names

CD8CD8 antigenCD8 alpha chainCD8βcytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen

Depleting or blocking antibodies bind to the CD8 molecule on T cells, leading to cell lysis (via complement/ADCC) or functional inactivation Selective inhibition of autoreactive CD8+ T cells by exploiting affinity differences in TCR/pMHC interactions