Leukocyte and platelet integrins

Leukocyte and platelet integrins are a group of heterodimeric cell surface receptors essential for the adhesion and signaling of blood cells (Moser et al., 2009). They consist of an alpha and a beta subunit, with key members including the platelet-specific integrin alpha-IIb beta-3 (GPIIb/IIIa) and leukocyte-associated integrins such as alpha-L beta-2 (LFA-1), alpha-M beta-2 (Mac-1), and alpha-4 integrins (alpha-4 beta-1 and alpha-4 beta-7) (Lowell & Mayadas, 2012). These receptors transition from a low-affinity to a high-affinity state through inside-out signaling, allowing them to bind ligands like fibrinogen, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 (NIH, 2021). In disease, platelet integrins mediate thrombus formation in cardiovascular conditions, while leukocyte integrins drive inflammatory cell recruitment in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders (Yonekawa & Harlan, 2005). Therapeutic targeting of these integrins has led to the development of potent anti-thrombotic agents like abciximab and anti-inflammatory biologics such as natalizumab and vedolizumab (MDPI, 2021). However, pharmacological modulation carries risks such as bleeding or impaired immune surveillance, necessitating careful patient monitoring (StatPearls, 2023). The regulation of these integrins is critical for maintaining hemostasis and effective immune responses, as seen in disorders like leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) (NIH, 2021).

Other names

Hematopoietic integrinsBlood cell integrinsBeta-2 and beta-3 integrinsCD11/CD18 and CD41/CD61 integrins

Antagonism of ligand binding to the extracellular domains of specific integrin heterodimers, thereby inhibiting cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions such as platelet aggregation or leukocyte extravasation.