Technical Articles

This article focuses on the molecular characteristics and immunological functions of the CD8α/β heterodimer, systematically elaborating its transmembrane glycoprotein structure formed by the α chain and β chain, encoded by the CD8A and CD8B genes respectively, assembled through disulfide bonds. It analyzes the changes in the MHC class I molecule binding interface and spatial conformation upon the incorporation of the β chain, as well as the resulting enhancement of antigen-binding affinity, and explores the molecular mechanisms by which CD8αβ cooperates with the TCR to initiate T cell activation and cytotoxic signaling transduction.