AUTHOR=Schittenhelm Leonie , Hilkens Catharien M. , Morrison Vicky L. 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01866

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2017.01866

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Emerging evidence suggests that the β<sub>2</sub> integrin family of adhesion molecules have an important role in suppressing immune activation and inflammation. β<sub>2</sub> integrins are important adhesion and signaling molecules that are exclusively expressed on leukocytes. The four β<sub>2</sub> integrins (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and CD11d paired with the β<sub>2</sub> 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<sub>2</sub> integrins both contribute to and regulate immune responses. This review explores the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of β<sub>2</sub> integrins in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and how they influence the outcome of immune responses. We furthermore discuss how imbalances in β<sub>2</sub> 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<sub>2</sub> integrins, therefore, holds enormous potential in exploring treatment options for a variety of inflammatory conditions.</p>