Integrin alpha-4 beta-7 receptor (α4β7 integrin)

Integrin alpha‑4 beta‑7 receptor is a heterodimeric cell surface protein composed of an alpha‑4 subunit (CD49d) and a beta‑7 subunit. It functions as an adhesion molecule that mediates selective migration (“homing”) of lymphocytes—especially T cells—to the gastrointestinal tract by binding primarily to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM‑1) expressed on high endothelial venules within GALT. This interaction plays an essential role in maintaining mucosal immunity but also contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as IBD when dysregulated. The receptor can also bind VCAM‑1 and fibronectin under certain conditions. Therapeutic blockade using monoclonal antibodies like vedolizumab has proven effective at reducing pathological inflammation by preventing pathogenic leukocyte recruitment into inflamed intestinal tissue.

Other names

LPAM-1 (Lymphocyte Peyer’s patch adhesion molecule 1)ITGA4/ITGB7Alpha 4 beta 7 integrinα4β7Peyer patches-specific homing receptor

Blockade of α4β7 prevents its interaction with MAdCAM‑1 on endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting lymphocyte trafficking to the gut mucosa. This reduces inflammation by limiting immune cell infiltration into intestinal tissues. For HIV, blockade may reduce viral concentration in GALT by interfering with gp120 binding.