Identity between the novel integrin beta 7 subunit and an antigen found highly expressed on intraepithelial lymphocytes in the small intestine. |
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| Authors: | Q Yuan W M Jiang D Hollander E Leung J D Watson G W Krissansen |
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| Institution: | Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand. |
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| Abstract: | A cDNA clone encoding the N-terminal sequence of the murine integrin beta 7 subunit, a novel member of the leukocyte cell adhesion molecule subset (Leu-CAM), has been isolated. An N-terminal region of 13 contiguous amino acids deduced from the cDNA shows complete identity with the N-terminus of the 120 kDa subunit of the M290 antigen, a surface molecule found highly expressed on mouse intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). This unexpected result focuses two previously unconnected areas of research and suggests that integrins may have a special role to play in the defence of the gut mucosa. |
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