Integrin Beta-7 Subunit (β7)

Integrin beta-7 (ITGB7) is a subunit of heterodimeric integrin receptors expressed primarily on leukocytes involved in mucosal immunity. It forms complexes with either the alpha-4 (ITGA4) or alpha-E (ITGAE) subunits, creating α4β7 and αEβ7 integrins, respectively. These integrins mediate lymphocyte homing to the gut and retention within the intestinal epithelium. α4β7 binds to MAdCAM-1 on gut endothelial cells, facilitating lymphocyte trafficking to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). αEβ7 binds to E-cadherin on epithelial cells, promoting lymphocyte retention. ITGB7 is a therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease and other immune-mediated disorders.

Other names

ITGB7CD29c antigenIntegrin beta 7Lymphocyte Peyer patch adhesion molecule 1 beta chainLPAM-1 beta chain

Integrin antagonists block integrin-ligand interactions, preventing leukocyte trafficking and adhesion to endothelium. For example, Vedolizumab selectively blocks the α4β7 integrin, inhibiting its binding to MAdCAM-1.