β2 Integrins As Regulators of Dendritic Cell, Monocyte, and Macrophage Function

• Published in: Frontiers in immunology 2017-12, Vol.8, p.1866-1866
• Main Authors: Schittenhelm, Leonie, Hilkens, Catharien M., Morrison, Vicky L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: autoimmunity; CD11/CD18; dendritic cells monocytes and macrophages; immune regulation; Immunology; β2 integrins
• ISSN: 1664-3224; 1664-3224
• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01866

Emerging evidence suggests that the β 2 integrin family of adhesion molecules have an important role in suppressing immune activation and inflammation. β 2 integrins are important adhesion and signaling molecules that are exclusively expressed on leukocytes. The four β 2 integrins (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and CD11d paired with the β 2 chain CD18) play important roles in regulating three key aspects of immune cell function: recruitment to sites of inflammation; cell–cell contact formation; and downstream effects on cellular signaling. Through these three processes, β 2 integrins both contribute to and regulate immune responses. This review explores the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of β 2 integrins in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and how they influence the outcome of immune responses. We furthermore discuss how imbalances in β 2 integrin function can have far-reaching effects on mounting appropriate immune responses, potentially influencing the development and progression of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therapeutic targeting of β 2 integrins, therefore, holds enormous potential in exploring treatment options for a variety of inflammatory conditions.