Integrin alpha-E beta-7 (Integrin αEβ7 (CD103/β7))

Integrin alpha-E beta-7 (αEβ7, commonly known as CD103/β7) is a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor formed by the association of the alpha-E integrin subunit (CD103/ITGAE) and the beta-7 integrin subunit (ITGB7). Highly expressed on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), some regulatory T cells, and dendritic cells in mucosal tissues, αEβ7 specifically binds E-cadherin on epithelial cells, mediating the adhesion and retention of lymphocytes at mucosal surfaces. Its expression is upregulated by TGF-β in the mucosal microenvironment, and it is involved in immune surveillance, tissue homeostasis, and pathology of mucosal inflammation and cancer. Dysregulation or therapeutic targeting of αEβ7 is relevant in autoimmune diseases (notably inflammatory bowel disease) and certain hematological malignancies. Its unique mucosal distribution and function make it a prominent drug target and diagnostic biomarker in immune and cancer biology.

Other names

Integrin αEβ7CD103/β7Alpha-E beta-7 integrinITGAE/ITGB7CD103 integrin

Antibody antagonism (blocks interaction with E-cadherin); Inhibition of lymphocyte adhesion to epithelial cells; Prevention of leukocyte trafficking to inflamed tissues