CD8a Mouse anti-Rat, PE, Clone: OX-8, BD

The OX-8 antibody reacts with the hinge-like membrane-proximal domain of the 32 kDa α chain of the CD8 differentiation antigen. A truncated CD8 α isoform has not been detected in the rat. The CD8 α and β chains (CD8a and CD8b, respectively) form a heterodimer on the surface of most thymocytes and a subpopulation of mature T lymphocytes (i.e., MHC class I-restricted T cells, including most T suppressor/cytotoxic cells). Intestinal intrapithelial lymphocytes, many CD8+ T cells of athymic rats, many activated CD4+ T cells, and most NK cells express CD8a without CD8b. It has been suggested that the expression of the CD8a/CD8b heterodimer is restricted to thymus-derived T lymphocytes. OX-8 antibody does not react with resting CD4+ T helper cells. CD8 is an antigen coreceptor on the T-cell surface which interacts with MHC class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells. It participates in T-cell activation through its association with the T-cell receptor complex and protein tyrosine kinase Ick. Macrophages have also been reported to express CD8 α and β chains, which are involved in signal transduction. Soluble OX-8 mAb partially blocks in vitro MLR and CTL activity.