Integrin alpha X (CD11c) (ITGAX)

Integrin alpha X, commonly known as CD11c, is a type I transmembrane protein that pairs with the beta 2 subunit (CD18) to form the heterodimeric integrin Complement Receptor 4 (CR4) (Source: NCBI Gene, UniProt: P20702). It is highly expressed on the surface of dendritic cells and is considered a definitive marker for conventional dendritic cells, though it is also present on macrophages, monocytes, and certain B-cell subsets (Source: PubMed: 29204481). Functionally, CD11c mediates cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions by binding to ligands such as fibrinogen and iC3b, playing a crucial role in phagocytosis and leukocyte trafficking (Source: UniProt: P20702). In clinical contexts, it is a key diagnostic marker for hairy cell leukemia and has been extensively explored as a target for delivering antigens to dendritic cells to enhance vaccine efficacy (Source: PubMed: 23601211). The input 'CD11c+ dendritic cells' refers to a cell population defined by this protein rather than a single molecule, but the protein itself serves as the primary therapeutic and diagnostic anchor for modulating these cells (Source: StatPearls).

Other names

CD11cIntegrin alpha-XLeu M5SLEB6Complement receptor type 4 subunit alpha

Cell-specific targeting for antigen delivery, inhibition of leukocyte adhesion, and diagnostic identification of specific cell populations.