Integrin alpha-6 beta-1 (VLA-6) (VLA-6)

Integrin alpha-6 beta-1, also known as Very Late Antigen 6 (VLA-6), is a heterodimeric cell surface receptor composed of the alpha-6 (CD49f) and beta-1 (CD29) subunits. It functions as a primary receptor for laminin, a major component of the basement membrane, and plays a critical role in mediating cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion and signaling [2, 3, 5]. VLA-6 is widely expressed on various cell types, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, platelets, and certain leukocytes, where it regulates processes such as cell migration, proliferation, and survival [2, 16, 18]. In the context of disease, VLA-6 is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including breast, colon, and lung cancers, where it promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and the maintenance of cancer stem cells [13, 18, 20, 23]. It also facilitates the extravasation of tumor cells and the homing of T cells to inflammatory sites [6, 29, 31]. While no drugs targeting VLA-6 are currently FDA-approved, it remains an active area of research for targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and peptide-drug conjugates, aimed at disrupting its role in cancer progression and immune-mediated disorders [18, 22, 23].

Other names

CD49f/CD29ITGA6/ITGB1Very Late Antigen 6Integrin alpha-6 subunitIntegrin beta-1 subunitLaminin receptor (integrin type)

Antagonism of laminin binding to the integrin heterodimer, thereby inhibiting cell-matrix adhesion and disrupting downstream signaling pathways such as Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) activation.