Alpha-L / Beta-2 integrin
AlphaL/beta2 is a receptor for ICAM-1 to 3 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 to 3). This integrin is only present on leukocytes and plays an important role in interactions between members of this family (eg. B-cell to T-cell). AlphaL/beta2 is also involved in the interactions between cytotoxic cells and their target-cells. On top of this, alphaL/beta2 is crucial for the invasion of leukocytes in tissues. ICAM-1 is expressed on leukocytes and other cells, amongst them are endthelial cells, but only after they have been activated by cytokines for example which are produced in immunereactions and inflammated tissues. ICAM-2 is present on a lot of cells and does not change after cytokine activation. ICAM-3 is primarily expressed on resting lymphocytes and plays a role in the onset of immunereactions. AlphaL/beta2 is normally not activated, but adhesion is induced by activation of the leukocyte, for example by PAF (platelet activating factor) which is produced in inflammated tissues. This integrin is also known as LFA-1 (leukocyte function associated antigen 1).
Last updated on 30/04/97
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