PE/Cyanine7 Rabbit anti-Human/Monkey CD8a Monoclonal Antibody for Flow Cytometry - P01732

Core Product Specifications and Parameters

Biological Background: CD8a Function and Localization

• CD8A encodes the alpha chain of the T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8, a critical coreceptor in adaptive immunity. It exists as either a disulfide-linked alpha/beta heterodimer or an alpha/alpha homodimer.
• The CD8 alpha chain functions as a coreceptor for MHC class I molecules, interacting simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and MHC I on antigen-presenting cells. This recruits the Src kinase LCK, triggering downstream signaling pathways that lead to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation, cytokine production, and target cell killing.
• In natural killer (NK) cells, CD8A homodimers provide a survival mechanism and facilitate conjugation with and lysis of multiple target cells. They also promote the survival and differentiation of activated lymphocytes into memory CD8 T-cells.
• Subcellular localization is primarily at the cell membrane as a single-pass type I membrane protein. A soluble secreted form is also produced by alternative splicing.
• Tissue specificity: In thymus-derived T-cells, CD8 typically consists of an alpha/beta heterodimer. CD8A homodimers are found on subsets of NK cells, memory T-cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells. Expression is upregulated on plasmacytoid dendritic cells upon viral stimulation.
• Post-translational modifications include glycosylation, which accounts for the higher than predicted molecular weight observed (unmodified ~26 kDa; mature forms at 21, 25, and 30 kDa), and palmitoylation, which anchors the protein to lipid rafts.

Experimental Guidance and Technical Tips

• The immunogen used to generate this antibody is a recombinant protein corresponding to amino acids 22-182, which encompasses the extracellular domain of CD8A. This region is crucial for MHC I interaction and is exposed on the cell surface, making it an ideal target for flow cytometry applications.
• For flow cytometry (FC), titrate the antibody to determine the optimal concentration for your specific sample. Include appropriate isotype control antibodies conjugated with the same fluorophore (PE/Cyanine7) to assess non-specific binding.
• Because PE/Cyanine7 is a tandem dye, avoid prolonged exposure to light and fixatives that may degrade the dye. Consider using a compensation control when performing multicolor panels to correct for spectral overlap.
• Validate antibody performance using known positive and negative cell populations: for example, human peripheral blood T-cells (CD8+ positive) versus B-cells (negative) or appropriate cell lines.
• If detecting intracellular CD8A (e.g., in activated or tissue-resident T-cells), optimize fixation and permeabilization conditions that preserve the epitope and fluorophore.

CamelBio: Your One-Stop Sourcing Bridge

As a dedicated IVD raw-material partner, CamelBio offers research and diagnostic laboratories seamless access to critical reagents like this anti‑CD8a monoclonal antibody for T‑cell biology and immune profiling. We provide validated antibody pairs, optimized monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, bulk ancillary reagents, and specialized support for sourcing rare-target raw materials—covering your entire workflow from concept to clinic with a single point of contact.