alphaEbeta7

alphaEbeta7 is a heterodimeric integrin, a cell surface receptor protein. It is composed of an alpha chain (ITGAE) and a beta chain (ITGB7). This integrin plays a crucial role in immune cell trafficking and adhesion. Specifically, alphaEbeta7 is found on T cells and is involved in their interaction with epithelial cells. It binds to E-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, which is widely expressed on epithelial tissues. This binding interaction is important for the retention of T cells within epithelial layers, such as those found in the gut lining. The ITGAE gene encodes the alphaE subunit, and the ITGB7 gene encodes the beta7 subunit. The expression of alphaEbeta7 is particularly prominent on intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), which are T cells located within the epithelial layer of the intestine. This localization suggests a specialized function in mucosal immunity. Dysregulation of alphaEbeta7 function has been implicated in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, highlighting its significance in maintaining tissue homeostasis and immune surveillance at mucosal surfaces.