Dictionary of Allergies .. CD+8 Tαβ cytotoxic lymphocytes

CD+8 T-lymphocytes kill cells infected by viruses and intracellular bacteria and malignant cells. CD+8 T-lymphocytes recognize antigenic peptides on the surface of the above cells, in association with MHC class I molecules (See T-lymphocyte Antigenic Receptor).

CD+8 cytotoxic cells produce, in cultures, proteins called perforins. Aggregations of perforins form tubules which effectively "punch holes" in the target cell membrane, as it is seen under electron microscopy. (See CD8+ T Cells).