Human T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 alpha chain, also known as CD8a, is a single-pass type I membrane protein. The CD8 antigen acts as a coreceptor with the T-cell receptor on the T lymphocyte to recognize antigens displayed by an antigen presenting cell in the context of class I MHC molecules. Both human and rodent CD8 antigens are comprised of two distinct polypeptide chains, alpha and beta. The Ig domains of CD8 alpha are involved in controlling the ability of CD8 to be expressed. Mutation of B- and F-strand cysteine residues in CD8 alpha reduced the ability of the protein to fold properly and, therefore, to be expressed.
