Gosset Molecular Classification
T cell, Lymphocyte, Immune cell
Other Names
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte, CD8+ T cell, CD8 T cell
Disease Roles
CD8-positive T Cell Overview
CD8-positive T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are a subset of T cells critical for cell-mediated immunity. They recognize and eliminate infected or malignant cells through direct cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. Their function is essential for defense against intracellular pathogens and tumors, but dysregulation can lead to autoimmune diseases or other immune-related disorders.
Mechanism of Action
CD8+ T cells recognize and kill infected or malignant cells by releasing cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, or by inducing apoptosis through Fas-FasL interaction. They also secrete cytokines like IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha to modulate the immune response.
Biological Functions
Cell-mediated immunity
Cytotoxicity
Immune response
Antiviral defense
Antitumor defense
Cytokine secretion
Disease Associations
Viral infection
Cancer
Autoimmune disease
Immunodeficiency
Safety Considerations
- Cytokine release syndrome
- Autoimmunity
- Graft-versus-host disease
- Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) associated with checkpoint inhibitors
Interacting Drugs
Immunosuppressants (e.g., Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus)
Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Anti-PD-1, Anti-CTLA-4)
IL-2
Interferon-alpha
Associated Biomarkers
| Biomarker |
|---|
| CD8 expression level |
| CD62L |
| CCR7 |
| CD45RA |
| CD27 |
| CD28 |
| KLRG1 |
| CD57 |
| PD-1 |
| CTLA-4 |
| Tim-3 |
| Lag-3 |
| IFN-gamma |
| TNF-alpha |