Anti-Rat CD8b NALE(TM) Purified (Clone: 341)

The 341 monoclonal antibody specifically reacts with the beta chain of the Rat CD8 molecule. The alpha and beta chains of the CD8 molecule form a heterodimer common on most thymocytes. The CD8 positive T cells of athymic rats and most NK cells express a homodimer composed solely of CD8a. It is reported that macrophages express CD8 alpha and beta chains for signal transduction. CD8 is an antigen co-receptor that interacts with MHC class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Protein function: Integral membrane glycoprotein that plays an essential role in the immune response and serves multiple functions in responses against both external and internal offenses. In T-cells, functions primarily as a coreceptor for MHC class I molecule:peptide complex. The antigens presented by class I peptides are derived from cytosolic proteins while class II derived from extracellular proteins. Interacts simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and the MHC class I proteins presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). In turn, recruits the Src kinase LCK to the vicinity of the TCR-CD3 complex. A palmitoylation site in the cytoplasmic tail of CD8B chain contributes to partitioning of CD8 into the plasma membrane lipid rafts where signaling proteins are enriched. Once LCK recruited, it initiates different intracellular signaling pathways by phosphorylating various substrates ultimately leading to lymphokine production, motility, adhesion and activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). Additionally, plays a critical role in thymic selection of CD8+ T-cells. [The UniProt Consortium]