T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 beta chain (CD8B)

Integral membrane glycoprotein which plays a vital role in the immune response and serves multiple roles in responses against both internal and external offenses. The antigens presented by class I peptides are derived from cytosolic proteins while class II derived from extracellular proteins.

Interacts simultaneously with the T-cell receptor (TCR) and the MHC class I proteins presented by antigen presenting cells (APCs). Consequently, recruits the Src kinase LCK into the area of the TCR-CD3 complex.