Integrin Alpha E (ITGaE)

Integrin, alpha E (ITGAE) is an integrin. CD103 binds integrin beta 7 (ITGB7) to form the complete heterodimeric integrin molecule alpha E beta 7, which has no distinct name. The alpha E beta7 complex is often referred to as "CD103" though this appelation strictly refers only to the alpha E chain. Note that the beta 7 subunit can bind with other integrin alpha; chains, such as alpha 4 (CD49d). Tregs are important for decreasing the immune response and appear to play a crucial role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. Tregs are defined as CD4⁺/CD25⁺/Foxp3⁺ cells. Some CD4⁺/FoxP3^- cells also express CD103 and have been attributed regulatory activity. It is unclear whether the presence of CD103 on Treg cells represents a specialized feature for Treg, or Treg differentiation of IEL T cells.