Cytotoxic CD8-positive alpha-beta T lymphocyte (CD8+ αβ T cell)

**Cytotoxic CD8-positive alpha-beta T lymphocytes** (commonly called CD8+ αβ T cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLs) are a subset of T cells characterized by expression of the CD8 co-receptor and a T cell receptor (TCR) composed of alpha and beta chains[2][3]. They play a critical role in recognizing and eliminating infected or malignant cells through specific recognition of antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules[1][5]. Upon activation, these cells mediate target cell killing via secretion of cytolytic proteins (perforin, granzymes) or engagement of death receptors (e.g., FasL)[5]. They can differentiate into several effector and memory subsets and are central players in cancer immunology and antiviral immunity[5]. While the CD8 protein and TCR complex are valid therapeutic targets, the **autologous cytotoxic CD8-positive alpha-beta T lymphocyte** refers to a cell population, not a specific molecular target or individual receptor, and thus would not be categorized as a canonical therapeutic target molecule[1][2][3][5]. **Note:** The entry "Autologous cytotoxic CD8-positive alpha-beta T lymphocyte" refers to a cell population, not a discrete molecule, gene, receptor, or enzyme. Therefore, it is not classified as a canonical therapeutic target. The correct molecular targets might include the CD8 co-receptor (CD8A/CD8B) or T cell receptor (TCR), which are valid molecular entities[1][2][6].

Other names

Cytotoxic T lymphocyteCD8+ T cellCD8-positive T lymphocyteCytotoxic CD8+ T cell