Human peripheral blood CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, defend the body against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, as well as cancerous cells.
CD8+ T cells distinguish infected or diseased cells from healthy cells by recognizing antigens presented by MHC class I molecules located on the surface of the inflicted cells.
Once the CD8 T cells recognize a specific antigen it releases cytotoxins that result in apoptosis of the infected or diseased cell.
CD8+ Cytotoxic T Cells
Human CD8+ cytotoxic T cells are isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by depleting cells expressing CD4, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD36, CD56, CD66b, CD123, TCRγ/δ, and CD235a using immunomagnetic particles leaving purified, untouched CD8+ cytotoxic T cells.
Our CD8+ cytotoxic T cells are collected at FDA-licensed donor centers and further processed at our cell isolation laboratory.
Each product is characterized by flow cytometry to ensure a highly pure and viable cell population. All donors are tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, WNV, CMV, and other blood-borne pathogens.
Biospecimens are obtained from properly consented donors. We conform to HIPAA standards to protect the privacy of the donor’s personal health information.
Human Material Precaution
It is best to use caution when handling any human cells. We recommend all human cells should be handled as if potentially infectious following biosafety level 2 procedures.
Even with infectious virus assays or viral antigen assays, a negative test result may leave open the possible existence of latent viruses.