cluster of differentiation 8

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a diagram of the cluster of differentiation 8 protein on a computer screen.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A membrane glycoprotein primarily found on the surface of cytotoxic T cells: Cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) is a specific type of protein embedded in the cell membrane. It functions as a co-receptor for the T-cell receptor (TCR), helping cytotoxic T cells recognize and bind to fragments of antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on other cells.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The presence of cluster of differentiation 8 on the cell surface is a key marker for identifying cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
  • Researchers are studying how the cluster of differentiation 8 interacts with viral peptides presented by infected cells.

Advanced Usage

• "CD8+ T cell": A T lymphocyte that expresses the cluster of differentiation 8 protein on its surface. These cells are crucial for the adaptive immune response against intracellular pathogens and cancer.
  • The patient's CD8+ T cell count was monitored to assess the immune response to the infection.

Variants and Related Words

• CD8 (abbreviation): The standard and most common abbreviation for "cluster of differentiation 8."
  • The assay detected high levels of CD8 on the lymphocytes.
• CD8 receptor (noun phrase): Another term referring to the cluster of differentiation 8 protein in its functional role.
  • The virus has evolved mechanisms to downregulate the CD8 receptor.

Synonyms

• T-cell co-receptor CD8: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing its functional role.
• Leu-2 (historical): An older, alternative designation for the same protein, primarily used in earlier scientific literature.

Related Phrases

• CD8-positive (adj): Describing a cell that expresses the cluster of differentiation 8 protein.
  • The tumor was infiltrated by CD8-positive lymphocytes, indicating a potential immune response.
• CD8-mediated immunity (noun phrase): Immune responses that are dependent on or carried out by cells bearing the cluster of differentiation 8 protein.
  • The vaccine aims to elicit strong CD8-mediated immunity against the pathogen.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a membrane glycoprotein that is found primarily on the surface of cytotoxic T cells

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cd8