Word: Cluster of Differentiation 8 (CD8)
Part of Speech: Noun
Basic Definition: "Cluster of differentiation 8," often abbreviated as CD8, refers to a specific protein that is found on the surface of certain cells in the immune system, particularly a type of white blood cell called cytotoxic T cells. These cells play an important role in fighting infections and cancer by killing infected or cancerous cells.
Usage Instructions: - You can use "CD8" when discussing immunology or biology topics, especially when talking about how the body defends itself against diseases. - It is often discussed in medical or scientific contexts.
Example Sentence: "The researchers studied the levels of CD8 in patients to understand their immune response to the vaccine."
Advanced Usage: - In more advanced discussions, you may encounter terms like "CD8+ T cells", which indicate that these T cells express the CD8 protein. This specificity is important in research and clinical settings. - CD8 is also relevant in discussions about organ transplants, as these T cells can attack foreign tissues.
Word Variants: - CD8+ (indicating a positive expression of the CD8 protein) - Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (another term for CD8 T cells)
Different Meaning: In a non-scientific context, "cluster" can refer to a group of similar things, but "cluster of differentiation 8" specifically refers to a biological concept.
Synonyms: There aren't direct synonyms for "cluster of differentiation 8," but you may see "CD8 T cells" or "cytotoxic T cells" used interchangeably in some contexts.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: This term doesn't have idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, as it is a scientific term used in a specific context.