APC Anti-Mouse CD8a Antibody[2.43]

CD8, also known as Lyt-2, Ly-2, or T8, consists of disulfide-linked alpha and beta chains that form the alpha(CD8a)/beta(CD8b) heterodimer and alpha/alpha homodimer. CD8a is a 34 kD protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin family. The CD8 alpha/beta heterodimer is expressed on the surface of most thymocytes and a subset of mature TCR alpha/beta T cells. CD8 expression on mature T cells is non-overlapping with CD4. The CD8 alpha/alpha homodimer is expressed on a subset of gamma/delta TCR-bearing T cells, NK cells, intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and lymphoid dendritic cells. CD8 is an antigen co-receptor on T cells that interacts with MHC class I on antigen-presenting cells or epithelial cells. CD8 promotes T cell activation through its association with the TCR complex and protein tyrosine kinase lck. Protein function: Functions as a coreceptor for the B-cell antigen receptor complex (BCR) on B-lymphocytes (PubMed:29523808). Decreases the threshold for activation of downstream signaling pathways and for triggering B-cell responses to antigens (PubMed:1373518, PubMed:16672701, PubMed:2463100). Activates signaling pathways that lead to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores (PubMed:12387743, PubMed:16672701, PubMed:9317126, PubMed:9382888). Is not required for early steps during B cell differentiation in the blood marrow (PubMed:9317126). Required for normal differentiation of B-1 cells. Required for normal B cell differentiation and proliferation in response to antigen challenges (PubMed:1373518, PubMed:2463100). Required for normal levels of serum immunoglobulins, and for production of high-affinity antibodies in response to antigen challenge (PubMed:12387743, PubMed:16672701, PubMed:9317126). [The UniProt Consortium]