Absolute CD8 Suppressor Cells

immunohematologyImmunity & InflammationBlood

The surface of a cytotoxic T cell has something called a CD8 receptor. The CD8 receptor interacts with cells called major histocompatibility complex Class I molecules, to recognise when healthy cells are infected. When the CD8 receptor recognises an infected cell, it activates the cytotoxic T cells, and the cytotoxic T cells create molecules designed to destroy the infection.

Why it matters: Several types of autoimmune disease affect T cells. Other conditions that affect them include acute lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of cancer that starts in the blood and bone marrow; adult Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease in which cancer cells start in the lymph system; HIV, a virus that attacks white blood cells and potentially leads to AIDS; Job syndrome, a rare immune system disorder that causes repeat infections; and thymic aplasia, a condition in which someone is born with an underdeveloped thymus.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters

Related Markers
CD4/CD8 RatioLymphocytes
Common questions

What is Absolute CD8 Suppressor Cells?

The surface of a cytotoxic T cell has something called a CD8 receptor. The CD8 receptor interacts with cells called major histocompatibility complex Class I molecules, to recognise when healthy cells are infected. When the CD8 receptor recognises an infected cell, it activates the cytotoxic T cells, and the cytotoxic T cells create molecules designed to destroy the infection.

What might a high or low Absolute CD8 Suppressor Cells mean?

Several types of autoimmune disease affect T cells. Other conditions that affect them include acute lymphocytic leukaemia, a type of cancer that starts in the blood and bone marrow; adult Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease in which cancer cells start in the lymph system; HIV, a virus that attacks white blood cells and potentially leads to AIDS; Job syndrome, a rare immune system disorder that causes repeat infections; and thymic aplasia, a condition in which someone is born with an underdeveloped thymus.

More in immunohematology
ABO Blood GroupAbsolute CD4 Helper CellsCD4/CD8 RatioImmunoglobulin EPercentage of CD4 Positive LymphocytesPercentage of CD8 Positive LymphocytesRh(D) Blood GroupRheumatoid Factor

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