Target intelligence / Profile preview

Integrin Alpha 4 Subunit (ITGA4)

Target: ITGA4
Molecular classification: Integrin, Transmembrane glycoprotein, Receptor

Overview

Integrin alpha 4 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that forms heterodimers with either the beta 1 (β1) or beta 7 (β7) integrin subunits (α4β1 or α4β7). It plays a central role in cell adhesion, immune cell trafficking (especially lymphocyte homing), and signal transduction related to immune responses. It mediates leukocyte adhesion to VCAM1 and MADCAM1 on endothelial cells, and is a therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis. Disruption of α4-containing integrins can modulate immunosurveillance.

Other names: CD49dCD49 antigen-like family member DLymphocyte Peyer patch adhesion molecules subunit alpha

Mechanism of action

Antagonism of ITGA4-mediated adhesion to VCAM1 and MADCAM1, blocking leukocyte trafficking.

Biological functions

Cell adhesionImmune cell traffickingLymphocyte homingSignal transductionLeukocyte adhesionCell-matrix interactionsT-cell migrationB-cell differentiationEndodermal cell differentiationExtracellular matrix organization

Disease associations

Multiple SclerosisInflammatory Bowel DiseaseUlcerative ColitisCancerAutoimmune diseases

Safety considerations

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (associated with natalizumab)Increased risk of infection

Interacting drugs

Natalizumab

2 more in the full profile.

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