Gene:
CD8 antigen, beta polypeptide 1 (p37)
Gene ID:
190704
Symbol:
CD8B1
Species:
1000
Description:
The CD8 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein found on most cytotoxic T lymphocytes that mediates efficient cell-cell interactions within the immune system. The CD8 antigen, acting as a coreceptor, and the T-cell receptor on the T lymphocyte recognize antigen displayed by an antigen presenting cell (APC) in the context of class I MHC molecules. The functional coreceptor is either a homodimer composed of two alpha chains, or a heterodimer composed of one alpha and one beta chain. Both alpha and beta chains share significant homology to immunoglobulin variable light chains. This gene encodes the CD8 beta chain isoforms. Six alternative transcripts encoding different isoforms, four membrane associated and two secreted, have been identified. A pseudogene, also located on chromosome 2, has been identified.