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AAT Bioquest

Where do CD8+ T cells originate?

Posted August 24, 2023


Answer

CD8+ cells originate in the bone marrow. 

CD8+ cells are also called cytotoxic T lymphocytes or CTLs. They originate from lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Immature T cells or thymocytes migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus where they undergo several DNA rearrangements resulting in a diversity of TCRs that are capable of recognizing antigens from foreign or intracellular pathogens.

Additional resources

Activation of CD8 T Lymphocytes during Viral Infections

CD8 (TCR, Leu2, T8)

iFluor® 488 Anti-human CD8 Antibody *OKT-8*

CD8 Infographic