ITGA2B1

Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane glycoproteins composed of a distinct alpha chain and a common beta chain. They are found on a wide variety of cell types including, T cells (the NKT cells), NK cells, fibroblasts and platelets. Integrins are involved in cell adhesion and also participate in cell-surface mediated signalling. Integrin alpha 2 beta 1 (VLA-2) is one of twelve Integrin family adhesion receptors that share the beta 1 subunit. It is one of six very late antigens expressed on activated T cells. Integrin alpha 2 is an integrin alpha subunit. It makes up half of the α2β1 integrin duplex. The α2β1 integrin is a major collagen receptor that is widely expressed and known to promote cell migration and control tissue homeostasis.