Integrin alpha 4 beta 7

Integrin alpha 4 beta 7 is an integrin family adhesion receptor that shares subunits with alpha 4 beta 1 (VLA4) and the E-Cadherin receptor, alpha E beta 7 . Integrin alpha 4 beta 7, which is critical for homing to intestinal mucosa, is induced during T cell activation in Peyer’s patches or mesenteric lymph nodes.Its expression requires signals from local dendritic and stromal cells, including secreted retinoic acid. The HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 binds to the active form of Integrin alpha 4 beta 7, and this may or may not account for the concentration of HIV-1 virus in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Integrin  alpha 4 beta 7 may also be involved in lymphocyte trafficking in acute intestinal graft vs. host disease (GVHD).