lacks_plasma_membrane_part has plasma membrane part CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000625 CD8-positive, alpha-beta T-cell CD8-positive, alpha-beta T lymphocyte A T cell expressing an alpha-beta T cell receptor and the CD8 coreceptor. CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cells, also referred to as CD8+ T cells, are integral components of the body's adaptive immune system. They are characterized by the presence of the CD8 glycoprotein on their cell surface and the alpha and beta chains in their T cell receptors (TCRs). CD8+ T cells primarily function as cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), their specialized role in the immune response being to detect and eliminate cells presenting foreign or abnormal antigens on their surfaces. Naïve CD8+ T cells patrol the central lymphoid organs, checking peptide– MHC class I molecule complexes for the presence of their cognate antigen on antigen-presenting cells. Recognition of the foreign antigen by the TCR and interaction with MHC class I molecules triggers a series of events leading to the activation of the CD8+ T cell. Once activated, the CD8+ T cell divides, matures, and differentiates into effector T cells capable of destroying the target cells. This cytotoxic function is carried out by the release of substances like perforin and granzymes, which induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in the target cells. In addition to their cytotoxic function, CD8+ T cells are known to release various cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). These are potent mediators of the immune response and have roles in shaping the immune response and the inflammatory reaction. Following the resolution of an immune response, a small subset of activated CD8+ T cells persists as memory T cells, providing a quicker and more vigorous response upon subsequent encounters with the same antigen. These capabilities make CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cells indispensable for the body's defense against infections and malignant transformations. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) CD8-positive, alpha-beta T-lymphocyte mature alpha-beta T cell Homo sapiens CD4 molecule T cell receptor co-receptor CD8