Target intelligence / Profile preview

CD3+CD8+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL)

Target
CTL
Molecular classification
T cell, Immune cell, Lymphocyte
01

Overview

CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are a subset of T cells characterized by the co-expression of the CD3 and CD8 surface markers. These cells play a central role in the adaptive immune response, primarily responsible for identifying and destroying infected or malignant cells. They recognize antigens presented by MHC I molecules and kill target cells through perforin/granzyme release, FasL-Fas interaction, and cytokine secretion. CTLs are important in cancer immunotherapy, and high densities of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes are associated with improved overall survival in several cancers. Modulation or targeting these populations is an area of active research.

Other names
CD3+CD8+ T cellCytotoxic T LymphocyteKiller T cellCD8+ T cell
02

Mechanism of action

Direct killing of target cells through perforin/granzyme release and FasL-Fas interaction; cytokine-mediated modulation of immune responses.

03

Biological functions

CytotoxicityAntigen recognitionImmune responseApoptosis inductionCytokine secretionCell killing
04

Disease associations

CancerViral infectionAutoimmune diseaseImmunodeficiency
05

Safety considerations

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS)Immune-related adverse events (irAEs)On-target/off-tumor toxicityGraft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
06

Interacting drugs

Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4)

4 more in the full profile.

07

Biomarkers

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)CD8+ T cell densityPD-1 expressionCTLA-4 expressionIFN-γ productionGranzyme B levels

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