Integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2) (ITGB2)

Integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2), commonly known as CD18, is a critical transmembrane protein that serves as the common beta subunit for the leukocyte integrin family [1, 2]. It heterodimerizes with four distinct alpha subunits—CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and CD11d—to form functional receptors such as LFA-1 and Mac-1, which are essential for leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration [4, 9]. These integrin complexes facilitate the recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation and are vital for the formation of the immunological synapse [9, 10]. Mutations in the ITGB2 gene lead to Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type 1 (LAD-1), a severe primary immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent bacterial infections and impaired wound healing [1, 13]. Therapeutically, ITGB2-containing complexes are targeted by antagonists like lifitegrast to treat inflammatory conditions such as dry eye disease, while gene therapies like marnetegragene autotemcel aim to restore functional expression in LAD-1 patients [12, 13]. Beyond its role in the immune system, ITGB2 is increasingly recognized as a prognostic biomarker in various cancers, including glioma and melanoma, where it influences tumor progression and immune cell infiltration [8, 15]. The target's involvement in both immune homeostasis and disease pathogenesis makes it a significant focus for both anti-inflammatory and regenerative medicine strategies [6, 14].

Other names

CD18Leukocyte adhesion deficiency proteinLCAMBLFA-1 beta subunitComplement receptor C3 subunit betaMFI7MF17

Integrin antagonist; Gene replacement therapy