CD8a is a 32-34 kD type I glycoprotein. It forms a homodimer (CD8a/a) or heterodimer (CD8a/b) with CD8b. CD8, also known as T8 and Leu2, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily found on the majority of thymocytes, a subset of peripheral blood T cells, and NK cells (which express almost exclusively CD8a homodimers). CD8 acts as a co-receptor with MHC class I-restricted T cell receptors in antigen recognition and T cell activation, and has been shown to play a role in thymic differentiation. Two domains in CD8a are important for function: the extracellular IgSF domain binds the α₃ domain of MHC class I and the cytoplasmic CXCP motif binds the tyrosine kinase p56 Lck.

Each lot of this antibody is quality control tested by immunofluorescent staining with flow cytometric analysis. For flow cytometric staining, the suggested use of this reagent is 5 microL per million cells or 5 microL per 100 microL of whole blood. It is recommended that the reagent be titrated for optimal performance for each application.

* PE/Dazzle™ 594 has a maximum excitation of 566 nm and a maximum emission of 610 nm.

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