CD8 (cluster of differentiation 8) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a co-receptor for the T cell receptor (TCR). Like the TCR CD8 binds to a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule but is specific for the class I MHC protein. There are two isoforms of the protein alpha and beta each encoded by a different gene. In humans both genes are located on chromosome 2 in position 2p12.
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