CD8 Antibody, Biotin
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
CD8, Mouse Anti-Human, Biotin is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the CD8 alpha (CD8α) molecule. This antibody is conjugated with biotin, a vitamin that allows for easy detection and purification of the antibody-antigen complex. CD8α is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed on the surface of various immune cells, including thymocytes, subsets of T cells, and some natural killer (NK) cells .
CD8α can form either a homodimer (CD8αα) or a heterodimer (CD8αβ) with the CD8 beta chain (CD8β). The CD8 molecule plays a crucial role in the immune response by acting as a co-receptor for the T-cell receptor (TCR). It binds to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on antigen-presenting cells, enhancing the activation and cytotoxic function of T cells .
The biotin-conjugated mouse anti-human CD8 antibody is widely used in various immunological assays, including:
- Flow Cytometry: This technique is used to analyze the expression of CD8α on the surface of immune cells. The biotinylated antibody can be detected using streptavidin-conjugated fluorophores, allowing for precise quantification and analysis .
- Immunohistochemistry: The antibody can be used to stain tissue sections, enabling the visualization of CD8-expressing cells in different tissues .
- Cell Sorting: The biotinylated antibody can be used in conjunction with magnetic beads or other separation techniques to isolate CD8-positive cells from a mixed population .
The monoclonal antibody is produced by immunizing mice with human CD8α and then isolating the antibody from the mouse’s spleen or thymus. The antibody is purified using affinity chromatography and conjugated with biotin under optimal conditions. It is typically stored in an aqueous buffered solution containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium azide as a preservative .
When working with biotinylated antibodies, it is essential to handle them with care to avoid contamination and degradation. Sodium azide, a common preservative in antibody solutions, can form highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to dilute azide compounds in running water before disposal to prevent the accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing .
