Summary
The RPA-T8 antibody is specific for the 32-34 kDa alpha chain of human CD8, known as CD8a or CD8 alpha. CD8a can form a homodimer (CD8 alpha-alpha), but is more commonly expressed as a heterodimer with a second chain known as CD8b or CD8 beta. CD8 acts as a co-receptor for antigen recognition and subsequent T cell activation that is initiated upon binding of the T cell receptor (TCR) to antigen-bearing MHC Class I molecules. The cytoplasmic domains of CD8 provide binding sites for the tyrosine kinase lck, facilitating intracellular signaling events that lead to T cell activation, development, and cytotoxic effector functions. CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play an important role in inducing cell death of tumor cells, as well as cells infected by virus, bacteria or parasites.The RPA-T8 antibody is widely used as a phenotypic marker for CD8 on cytotoxic T cells, thymocytes, as well as on certain cell types that do not also express the TCR, including some NK cells and lymphoid dendritic cells. It is cross-reactive with CD8 in several non-human species, including Baboon, Chimpanzee, Cynomolgus and Rhesus. If used together with an alternative Anti-Human CD8a clone, Hit8a, the RPA-T8 antibody will not block binding of Hit8a to CD8a.
Form
Liquid
Buffer
10mM NaH₂PO₄, 150mM NaCl, 0.1% Gelatin
Preservative
0.09% Sodium azide
Storage
Store as concentrated solution. Centrifuge briefly prior to opening vial. Store at 4ºC. DO NOT FREEZE. Protect from light.
Concentration
0.025 mg/ml (Please refer to the vial label for the specific concentration.)
Purification
Purified by affinity chromatography
From tissue culture supernatant
Conjugation
Note
For laboratory research use only. Not for any clinical, therapeutic, or diagnostic use in humans or animals. Not for animal or human consumption.
Purchasers shall not, and agree not to enable third parties to, analyze, copy, reverse engineer or otherwise attempt to determine the structure or sequence of the product.
Synonyms
CD8a molecule , CD8 , CD8A , Leu2 , MAL , p32 , CD8 alpha
Cellular Localization
Cell membrane,Secreted
Background
The CD8 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein found on most cytotoxic T lymphocytes that mediates efficient cell-cell interactions within the immune system. The CD8 antigen acts as a coreceptor with the T-cell receptor on the T lymphocyte to recognize antigens displayed by an antigen presenting cell in the context of class I MHC molecules. The coreceptor functions as either a homodimer composed of two alpha chains or as a heterodimer composed of one alpha and one beta chain. Both alpha and beta chains share significant homology to immunoglobulin variable light chains. This gene encodes the CD8 alpha chain. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011]
Database
Research Area