Integrin beta-2 (ITGB2) and integrin beta-3 (ITGB3) (ITGB2/ITGB3)

Integrin beta-2 (ITGB2) and integrin beta-3 (ITGB3) are critical cell-surface receptors belonging to the integrin family, characterized by their heterodimeric structure consisting of an alpha and a beta subunit [4]. Integrin beta-2 is predominantly expressed on leukocytes and facilitates immune cell adhesion and trafficking by interacting with ligands such as intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) [1, 6]. Integrin beta-3 includes alphaIIb-beta3, which is essential for platelet aggregation via fibrinogen binding, and alphaV-beta3, which is involved in angiogenesis and bone resorption [2, 3]. These receptors are significant therapeutic targets; for instance, beta-3 antagonists like abciximab and eptifibatide are used to prevent thrombosis in cardiovascular procedures [3]. Beta-2 inhibitors, such as lifitegrast, are utilized to treat inflammatory conditions like dry eye disease by blocking leukocyte-mediated damage [5]. Despite their therapeutic utility, targeting these integrins requires careful management due to risks like bleeding for beta-3 inhibitors and potential immune-related side effects for beta-2 inhibitors [3, 4].

Other names

CD18CD61Integrin beta chain 2Integrin beta chain 3Platelet membrane glycoprotein IIIaGPIIIaLeukocyte adhesion glycoprotein beta subunit

These drugs act as competitive antagonists that bind to the extracellular domains of the integrin heterodimers, preventing the binding of endogenous ligands such as fibrinogen, vitronectin, or intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), thereby blocking cell adhesion and signaling [3, 4, 5].