Integrin Alpha D / CD11D (ITGAD) Antibody

Background

ITGAD (integrin subunit alpha D), also known as CD11d, is a member of the integrin family of cell adhesion molecules. Integrins are heterodimeric receptors consisting of an alpha and a beta subunit, which mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. ITGAD pairs with the beta-2 integrin subunit (CD18) to form the αDβ2 (CD11d/CD18) integrin. This integrin is predominantly expressed on myeloid cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as certain subpopulations of lymphocytes. ITGAD, as part of the β2 integrin subfamily, plays a critical role in immune responses, particularly in cell adhesion, migration, and phagocytosis. ITGAD is the least well-characterized among the beta-2 integrins, but emerging research has highlighted its significance in specialized immune responses, such as the clearance of apoptotic cells, regulation of inflammation, and leukocyte recruitment to chronic inflammatory sites. Additionally, ITGAD has been implicated in processes such as tissue remodeling and wound healing. Due to its involvement in these crucial immune processes, ITGAD has garnered increasing attention in the study of immune system regulation and pathologies, including chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.