Alexa Fluor® 568 Anti-CD103 antibody [EPR4166(2)]

Supplementary info

Activity summary

CD103 also known as ITGAE or integrin alpha E is a protein subunit that pairs with integrin beta 7 (ItgB7) to form a complete heterodimer known as the αEβ7 integrin complex. This protein typically weighs around 150 kDa. CD103 is mainly expressed on the surface of certain T lymphocytes such as CD8+ T cells in mucosal tissues and also in a subset of dendritic cells. Through its mechanical function CD103 mediates cell adhesion by specifically binding to E-cadherin on epithelial cells. This interaction facilitates the retention and positioning of lymphocytes in epithelial tissues.

Biological function summary

CD103 is essential for establishing and maintaining interactions between immune cells and epithelial cells. By incorporating into the αEβ7 integrin complex it plays an important role in the localization of intraepithelial lymphocytes and dendritic cells in the gut mucosa and skin contributing to immune surveillance and protection of these barriers. CD103 helps to control lymphocyte activation and the migration process offering a critical surface marker for identifying tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm cells) and discerning their functional potential.

Pathways

CD103 functions prominently in the immunological environment by participating in pathways that regulate lymphocyte adherence and migration. Two significant pathways it fits into include the T-cell homing and retention pathways and the antigen presentation pathway. Through these pathways CD103 interacts with molecules such as E-cadherin and impacts the movement of T cells to epithelial sites influencing tissue-specific immune responses alongside related proteins like integrin beta 7 which forms a part of the same integrin complex.

Associated diseases and disorders

CD103 has a significant connection with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions particularly in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and certain types of cancer such as colorectal cancer. Its association with E-cadherin through the integrin complex affects cellular behavior in these diseases contributing to either barrier integrity or breakdown and abnormal immune cell infiltration. Additionally in the disease context CD103 can influence interactions with proteins that regulate immune responses and tumor surveillance highlighting its role in disease progression and therapeutic potential.