CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes, are a subset of T cells that play a critical role in the adaptive immune response by directly killing infected or cancerous cells. These cells express the CD8 glycoprotein on their surface, which helps distinguish them from other T cell types. When activated, CD8+ T cells recognize antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and initiate a targeted immune response.
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