The OKT8 monoclonal antibody reacts with the human CD8a molecule, an approximately 32-34 kDa cell surface receptor expressed either as a heterodimer with the CD8 beta chain (CD8 alpha beta) or as a homodimer (CD8 alphaalpha). A majority of thymocytes and a subpopulation of mature T cells and NK cells express CD8a. CD8 binds to MHC class I and through its association with protein tyrosine kinase p56lck plays a role in T-cell development and activation of mature T cells. Preliminary testing indicates that OKT8 and two other mouse anti-human CD8 antibodies (clone RPA-T8, Cat. No.14-0088 and clone HIT8a, Cat. No.14-0089) do not compete with each other for binding to human peripheral blood leukocytes by flow cytometric analysis, suggesting that they do not bind to similar epitopes or block each other by steric hindrance.

Applications Reported: This OKT8 (OKT-8) antibody has been reported for use in flow cytometric analysis.

Applications Tested: This OKT8 (OKT-8) antibody has been pre-titrated and tested by flow cytometric analysis of normal human peripheral blood cells. This can be used at 5 µL (0.5 µg) per test. A test is defined as the amount (µg) of antibody that will stain a cell sample in a final volume of 100 µL. Cell number should be determined empirically but can range from 10^5 to 10^8 cells/test.

NovaFluor dyes are not compatible with DNA intercalating viability dyes. Do not use viability dyes such as propidium iodide, 7-actinomycin D (7-AAD) and DAPI. Invitrogen LIVE/DEAD Fixable Dead Cell stains are recommended for use with NovaFluor dyes.

Each NovaFluor conjugate or kit is shipped with CellBlox Blocking Buffer. Use this buffer whenever staining with NovaFluor conjugates, including single-color compensation controls using cells. Whenever possible, we recommend adding CellBlox Blocking Buffer to antibody cocktails/master mixes prior to combining with cells. Add 5 µL per sample (regardless of the number of NovaFluors in your panel) to use the antibody cocktail as intended. For single-color controls, use 5 µL of CellBlox Blocking Buffer per 100µL of cell sample containing 10^3 to 10^8 cells.

NovaFluor conjugates are based on Phiton™ technology utilizing novel nucleic acid dye structures that allow for engineered fluorescent signatures with consideration for spillover and spread impacts. Learn more

Excitation: 636 nm; Emission: 727 nm; Laser: 633-640 nm (Red) Laser