CD8A

CD8a (Cluster of Differentiation 8a), is a human is_associated_with::gene.

Function
The CD8 antigen is a cell surface is_associated_with::glycoprotein found on most cytotoxic is_associated_with::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 is_associated_with::antigen presenting cell (APC) in the context of is_associated_with::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 alpha chain isoforms. Two alternative transcripts encoding distinct isoforms, one membrane associated and one secreted, have been identified.

Interactions
CD8A has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::CD3D,
 * is_associated_with::HLA-A, and
 * is_associated_with::HLA-G.