CD8a (clone SK1) is a mouse monoclonal antibody derived from the CD8 alpha chain. This antibody belongs to the Biotium Choice list of select antibodies that have been validated and optimized in-house for optimal performance. The antibody is available conjugated to CF® Dyes and Astral™ tandem dyes. They are supplied in PBS, 0.1% BSA, 0.05% azide.
CD8 is a cell surface receptor expressed either as a heterodimer with the CD8 beta chain (CD8 alpha/beta) or as a homodimer (CD8 alpha/alpha). A majority of thymocytes and a subpopulation of mature T cells and NK cells express CD8a. CD8 binds to MHC class 1 and through its association with protein tyrosine kinase p56lck plays a role in T cell development and activation of mature T cells. For mature T-cells, CD4 and CD8 are mutually exclusive, so anti-CD8, generally used in conjunction with anti-CD4. It is a useful marker for distinguishing helper/inducer T-lymphocytes, and most peripheral T-cell lymphomas are CD4 /CD8-. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma is usually CD4 and CD8-, and in T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia, CD4 and CD8 are often co-expressed. CD8 is also found in littoral cell angioma of the spleen.
As an isotype control, Biotium recommend Isotype Control, Monoclonal Mouse IgG1 Kappa (IGG1/1331) for this antibody.