NMR solution structure of the inserted domain of human leukocyte function associated antigen-1

The interaction between the leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and the intercellular adhesion molecule is thought to be mediated primarily via the inserted domain (I-domain) in the alpha-subunit. The activation of LFA-1 is an early step in triggering the adhesion of leukocytes to target cells decorated with intercellular adhesion molecules. There is some disagreement in the literature over the respective roles of conformational changes in the I-domain and of divalent cations (Mg(2+), Mn(2+)) in the activation of LFA-1 for intercellular adhesion molecule binding. X-ray crystallographic structures of the I-domains of LFA-1 and Mac-1 in the presence and absence of cations show structural differences in the C-terminal alpha-helix; this change was proposed to represent the active and inactive conformations of the I-domain. However, more recent X-ray results have called this proposal into question. The solution structure of the Mg(2+) complex of the I-domain of LFA-1 has been determined by NMR methods, using a model-based approach to nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy peak assignment. The protein adopts the same structure in solution as that of the published I-domain X-ray structures, but the C-terminal region, where the X-ray structures are most different from each other, is different again in the solution structures. The secondary structure of this helix is well formed, but NMR relaxation data indicate that there is considerable flexibility present, probably consisting of breathing or segmental motion of the helix. The conformational diversity seen in the various X-ray structures could be explained as a result of the inherent flexibility of this C-terminal region and as a result of crystal contacts. Our NMR data are consistent with a model where the C-terminal helix has the potential flexibility to take up alternative conformations, for example, in the presence and absence of the intercellular adhesion molecule ligand. The role of divalent cations appears from our results not to be as a direct mediator of a conformational change that alters affinity for the ligand. Rather, the presence of the cation appears to be involved in some other way in ligand binding, perhaps by acting as a bridge to the ligand and by modulation of the charge of the binding surface.     

Rolling adhesion of alphaL I domain mutants decorrelated from binding affinity

Activated lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, alphaLbeta2 integrin) found on leukocytes facilitates firm adhesion to endothelial cell layers by binding to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is up-regulated on endothelial cells at sites of inflammation. Recent work has shown that LFA-1 in a pre-activation, low-affinity state may also be involved in the initial tethering and rolling phase of the adhesion cascade. The inserted (I) domain of LFA-1 contains the ligand-binding epitope of the molecule, and a conformational change in this region during activation increases ligand affinity. We have displayed wild-type I domain on the surface of yeast and validated expression using I domain specific antibodies and flow cytometry. Surface display of I domain supports yeast rolling on ICAM-1-coated surfaces under shear flow. Expression of a locked open, high-affinity I domain mutant supports firm adhesion of yeast, while yeast displaying intermediate-affinity I domain mutants exhibit a range of rolling phenotypes. We find that rolling behavior for these mutants fails to correlate with ligand binding affinity. These results indicate that unstressed binding affinity is not the only molecular property that determines adhesive behavior under shear flow.     

2E8 Binds to the High Affinity I-domain in a Metal Ion-dependent Manner: A SECOND GENERATION MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY SELECTIVELY TARGETING ACTIVATED LFA-1*

The activation of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) plays a critical role in regulating immune responses. The metal ion-dependent adhesion site on the I-domain of LFA-1 α_L subunit is the key recognition site for ligand binding. Upon activation, conformation changes in the I-domain can lead LFA-1 from the low affinity state to the high affinity (HA) state. Using the purified HA I-domain locked by disulfide bonds for immunization, we developed an mAb, 2E8, that specifically binds to cells expressing the HA LFA-1. The surface plasmon resonance analysis has shown that 2E8 only binds to the HA I-domain and that the dissociation constant (K_D) for HA I-domain is 197 nm. The binding of 2E8 to the HA I-domain is metal ion-dependent, and the affinity decreased as Mn²⁺ was replaced sequentially by Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺. Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrates that 2E8 inhibits the interaction of HA I-domain and ICAM-1. Furthermore, we found that 2E8 can detect activated LFA-1 on both JY and Jurkat cells using flow cytometry and parallel plate adhesion assay. In addition, 2E8 inhibits JY cell adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and homotypic aggregation. 2E8 treatment reduces the proliferation of both human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells upon OKT3 stimulation without the impairment of their cytolytic function. Taken together, these data demonstrate that 2E8 is specific for the high affinity form of LFA-1 and that 2E8 inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions. As a novel activation-specific monoclonal antibody, 2E8 is a potentially useful reagent for blocking high affinity LFA-1 and modulating T cell activation in research and therapeutics.     

Regulation of integrin affinity on cell surfaces

Lymphocyte activation triggers adhesiveness of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; integrin α(L)β(2)) for intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) on endothelia or antigen-presenting cells. Whether the activation signal, after transmission through multiple domains to the ligand-binding αI domain, results in affinity changes for ligand has been hotly debated. Here, we present the first comprehensive measurements of LFA-1 affinities on T lymphocytes for ICAM-1 under a broad array of activating conditions. Only a modest increase in affinity for soluble ligand was detected after activation by chemokine or T-cell receptor ligation, conditions that primed LFA-1 and robustly induced lymphocyte adhesion to ICAM-1 substrates. By stabilizing well-defined LFA-1 conformations by Fab, we demonstrate the absolute requirement of the open LFA-1 headpiece for adhesiveness and high affinity. Interaction of primed LFA-1 with immobilized but not soluble ICAM-1 triggers energy-dependent affinity maturation of LFA-1 to an adhesive, high affinity state. Our results lend support to the traction or translational motion dependence of integrin activation.     

The primacy of affinity over clustering in regulation of adhesiveness of the integrin {alpha}L{beta}2

Dynamic regulation of integrin adhesiveness is required for immune cell-cell interactions and leukocyte migration. Here, we investigate the relationship between cell adhesion and integrin microclustering as measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and macroclustering as measured by high resolution fluorescence microscopy. Stimuli that activate adhesion through leukocyte function-associated molecule-1 (LFA-1) failed to alter clustering of LFA-1 in the absence of ligand. Binding of monomeric intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) induced profound changes in the conformation of LFA-1 but did not alter clustering, whereas binding of ICAM-1 oligomers induced significant microclustering. Increased diffusivity in the membrane by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents was sufficient to drive adhesion in the absence of affinity modulation and was associated with a greater accumulation of LFA-1 to the zone of adhesion, but redistribution did not precede cell adhesion. Disruption of conformational communication within the extracellular domain of LFA-1 blocked adhesion stimulated by affinity-modulating agents, but not adhesion stimulated by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents. Thus, LFA-1 clustering does not precede ligand binding, and instead functions in adhesion strengthening after binding to multivalent ligands.     

F-actin flow drives affinity maturation and spatial organization of LFA-1 at the immunological synapse

Integrin-dependent interactions between T cells and antigen-presenting cells are vital for proper T cell activation, effector function, and memory. Regulation of integrin function occurs via conformational change, which modulates ligand affinity, and receptor clustering, which modulates valency. Here, we show that conformational intermediates of leukocyte functional antigen 1 (LFA-1) form a concentric array at the immunological synapse. Using an inhibitor cocktail to arrest F-actin dynamics, we show that organization of this array depends on F-actin flow and ligand mobility. Furthermore, F-actin flow is critical for maintaining the high affinity conformation of LFA-1, for increasing valency by recruiting LFA-1 to the immunological synapse, and ultimately for promoting intracellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) binding. Finally, we show that F-actin forces are opposed by immobilized ICAM-1, which triggers LFA-1 activation through a combination of induced fit and tension-based mechanisms. Our data provide direct support for a model in which the T cell actin network generates mechanical forces that regulate LFA-1 activity at the immunological synapse.     

Structure of an allosteric inhibitor of LFA-1 bound to the I-domain studied by crystallography, NMR, and calorimetry

LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1) plays a role in intercellular adhesion and lymphocyte trafficking and activation and is an attractive anti-inflammatory drug target. The alpha-subunit of LFA-1, in common with several other integrins, has an N-terminally inserted domain (I-domain) of approximately 200 amino acids that plays a central role in regulating ligand binding to LFA-1. An additional region, termed the I-domain allosteric site (IDAS), has been identified exclusively within the LFA-1 I-domain and shown to regulate the function of this protein. The IDAS is occupied by small molecule LFA-1 inhibitors when cocrystallized or analyzed by (15)N-(1)H HSQC (heteronuclear single-quantum coherence) NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) titration experiments. We report here a novel arylthio inhibitor that binds the I-domain with a K(d) of 18.3 nM as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). This value is in close agreement with the IC(50) (10.9 nM) derived from a biochemical competition assay (DELFIA) that measures the level of inhibition of binding of whole LFA-1 to its ligand, ICAM-1. Having established the strong affinity of the arylthio inhibitor for the isolated I-domain, we have used a range of techniques to further characterize the binding, including ITC, NMR, and X-ray crystallography. We have first developed an effective ITC binding assay for use with low-solubility inhibitors that avoids the need for ELISA-based assays. In addition, we utilized a fast NMR-based assay for the generation of I-domain-inhibitor models. This is based around the collection of HCCH-TOCSY spectra of LFA-1 in the bound form and the identification of a subset of side chain methyl groups that give chemical shift changes upon binding of LFA-1 inhibitors. This subset was used in two-dimensional (13)C-(15)N and (15)N-filtered and -edited two-dimensional NMR experiments to identify a minimal set of intraligand and ligand-protein NOEs, respectively (nuclear Overhauser enhancements). Models from the NMR data were assessed by comparison to an X-ray crystallographic structure of the complex, confirming that the method correctly predicted the essential features of the bound ligand.     

Dynamic control of allosteric antagonism of leukocyte function antigen-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interaction

Leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) plays a critical role in T cell migration and has been recognized as a therapeutic target for immune disorders. Several classes of small molecule antagonists have been developed to block LFA-1 interaction with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Recent structural studies show that the antagonists bind to an allosteric site in the I-domain of LFA-1. However, it is not yet clear how these small molecules work as antagonists since no significant conformational change is observed in the I-domain-antagonist complex structures. Here we present a computational study suggesting how these allosteric antagonists affect the dynamics of the I-domain. The lowest frequency vibrational mode calculated from an LFA-1 I-domain structure shows large scale "coil-down" motion of the C-terminal alpha7 helix, which may lead to the open form of the I-domain. The presence of an allosteric antagonist greatly reduces this motion of the alpha7 helix as well as other parts of the I-domain. Thus, our study suggests that allosteric antagonists work by eliminating breathing motion that leads to the open conformation of the I-domain.     

A mechanism for antibody-mediated outside-in activation of LFA-1

MEM83 is an inserted domain (I-domain)-specific antibody that up-regulates the interaction of LFA-1 with ICAM-1 through an outside-in activation mechanism. We demonstrate here that there is no change in the affinity of the MEM83 antibody for the I-domain in either its low (wild-type) or high affinity form and that MEM83 does not enhance the binding of the wild-type I-domain to ICAM-1. Furthermore, we show that the antibody acts as an activating agent to induce LFA-1/ICAM-1-dependent homotypic cell aggregation only as an IgG, but not as a Fab fragment. On the basis of these data, we propose an avidity-based mechanism that requires no direct activation of the LFA-1 I-domain by the binding of the antibody; rather, activation is enhanced when there is an interaction with both arms of the IgG. A molecular model of the antibody interaction with LFA-1 illustrates the symmetry and accessibility of the two MEM83 epitopes across the LFA-1/ICAM-1 heterotetramer. We hypothesize that MEM83 stabilizes adjacent LFA-1 molecules in their active form by the free energy that is gained from the binding of the I-domains to each arm of the IgG. This leads to stabilization of the open state of the integrin and outside-in signaling. Our model supports a mechanism in which both affinity and avidity regulation are required in the activation of LFA-1.     

Crystal structure of the alpha1beta1 integrin I-domain: insights into integrin I-domain function.

The alpha1beta1 integrin is a major cell surface receptor for collagen. Ligand binding is mediated, in part, through a 200 amino acid inserted 'I'-domain contained in the extracellular part of the integrin alpha chain. Integrin I-domains contain a divalent cation binding (MIDAS) site and require cations to interact with integrin ligands. We have determined the crystal structure of recombinant I-domain from the rat alpha1beta1 integrin at 2.2 A resolution in the absence of divalent cations. The alpha1 I-domain adopts the dinucleotide binding fold that is characteristic of all I-domain structures that have been solved to date and has a structure very similar to that of the closely related alpha2beta1 I-domain which also mediates collagen binding. A unique feature of the alpha1 I-domain crystal structure is that the MIDAS site is occupied by an arginine side chain from another I-domain molecule in the crystal, in place of a metal ion. This interaction supports a proposed model for ligand-induced displacement of metal ions. Circular dichroism spectra determined in the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ indicate that no changes in the structure of the I-domain occur upon metal ion binding in solution. Metal ion binding induces small changes in UV absorption spectra, indicating a change in the polarity of the MIDAS site environment.     

Analysis of Cell-Free Human α1 Integrin with a Monoclonal Antibody to the I-Domain: Detection in Ocular Fluid and Function as an Adhesion Substrate

The α1β1 integrin, an inserted (I) domain containing collagen receptor, is expressed in the cell surface membrane of normal and malignant cells, and may play a role in their migration through tissues or in metastatic spread. Here we report that a functional anti-human α1β1 integrin monoclonal antibody (mAb) (1B3.1) directly and specifically binds plastic bound recombinant human α1 I-domain protein containing the collagen binding site. Detection was diminished by acidification of the I-domain protein but was enhanced by increasing concentrations of Mg²⁺ cation. Furthermore, we detected binding of the mAb to proteins from the ocular fluids of 6 patients, with the highest concentration, corresponding to 22.1 ng/ml of I-domain, found in a sample from the eye of a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, we found that both SKNSH neuroblastoma cells and virally transformed human T cells adhered specifically to plastic wells coated with either immobilized collagen IV oral I-domain. MAb 1B3.1 inhibited adhesion to collagen IV but not to immobilized I-domain. These results suggest a novel function for cell free α1 I-domain as a substrate for cellular adhesion, which may have relevance in tumor spread in vivo.     

Divalent cation regulation of the function of the leukocyte integrin LFA-1

The integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) expressed on T cells serves as a useful model for analysis of leukocyte integrin functional activity. We have assessed the role of divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ in LFA-1 binding to ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and induction of the divalent cation-dependent epitope recognized by mAb 24. Manganese strongly promoted both expression of the 24 epitope and T cell binding to ICAM-1 via LFA-1, suggesting that Mn2+ is able to directly alter the conformation of LFA-1 in a manner that favors ligand binding. Since Mn2+ also promotes functional activity of other integrins, parallels in mechanism of ligand binding may span the integrin family. In contrast, induction of 24 epitope expression by Mg2+ required removal of Ca2+ from T cell LFA-1 with EGTA. Furthermore, binding of mAb 24 to T cell LFA-1 in the presence of either Mn2+ or Mg2+ was found to be specifically inhibited by Ca2+, suggestive of a negative regulatory role for Ca2+ in the control of leukocyte integrin function. Analysis of T cell binding to ICAM-1 via LFA-1 in the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+, confirmed that Ca2+ exerted inhibitory effects upon LFA-1 function. The implication of our findings is that Ca2+ bound with relatively high affinity to LFA-1 may serve to maintain an inactive state. Thus induction of function and 24 epitope expression may occur as a result of displacement of Ca2+ from leukocyte integrins or alternatively, such activators may be able to impose the required conformational change in the presence of bound Ca2+.     

The cytosolic protein talin induces an intermediate affinity integrin alphaLbeta2

The integrin alphaLbeta2 mediates leukocyte adhesion and migration that are required for a functional immune system. It is known that inside-out signaling triggers alphaLbeta2 conformational changes, which affect its ligand-binding affinity. At least three alphaLbeta2 affinity states (low, intermediate, and high) were described. The cytosolic protein talin connects alphaLbeta2 to the actin filament. The talin head domain is also known to activate alphaLbeta2 ligand binding. However, it remains to be determined whether talin promotes an intermediate or high affinity alphaLbeta2. In this study using transfectants and T cells, we showed that talin induced an intermediate affinity alphaLbeta2 that adhered constitutively to its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 but not ICAM-3. Adhesion to ICAM-3 was induced when an additional exogenous activating agent was included. Similar profiles were observed with soluble ICAMs. In addition, the intermediate affinity alphaLbeta2 induced by talin allowed adhesion and migration of T cells on immobilized ICAMs.     

RhoA is involved in LFA-1 extension triggered by CXCL12 but not in a novel outside-in LFA-1 activation facilitated by CXCL9

Chemokines presented on endothelial tissues instantaneously trigger LFA-1-mediated arrest on ICAM-1 via rapid inside-out and outside-in (ligand-driven) LFA-1 activation. The GTPase RhoA was previously implicated in CCL21-triggered LFA-1 affinity triggering in murine T lymphocytes and in LFA-1-dependent adhesion strengthening to ICAM-1 on Peyer's patch high endothelial venules stabilized over periods of at least 10 s. In this study, we show that a specific RhoA 23/40 effector region is vital for the initial LFA-1-dependent adhesions of lymphocytes on high endothelial venules lasting 1-3 s. Blocking the RhoA 23/40 region in human T lymphocytes in vitro also impaired the subsecond CXCL12-triggered LFA-1-mediated T cell arrest on ICAM-1 by eliminating the rapid induction of an extended LFA-1 conformational state. However, the inflammatory chemokine CXCL9 triggered robust LFA-1-mediated T lymphocyte adhesion to ICAM-1 at subsecond contacts independently of the RhoA 23/40 region. CXCL9 did not induce conformational changes in the LFA-1 ectodomain, suggesting that particular chemokines can activate LFA-1 through outside-in post ligand binding stabilization changes. Like CXCL9, the potent diacylglycerol-dependent protein kinase C agonist PMA was found to trigger LFA-1 adhesiveness to ICAM-1 also without inducing integrin extension or an a priori clustering and independently of the RhoA 23/40 region. Our results collectively suggest that the 23/40 region of RhoA regulates chemokine-induced inside-out LFA-1 extension before ligand binding, but is not required for a variety of chemokine and non-chemokine signals that rapidly strengthen LFA-1-ICAM-1 bonds without an a priori induction of high-affinity extended LFA-1 conformations.     

I-domain of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 mediates rolling of polystyrene particles on ICAM-1 under flow

In their active state, beta(2)-integrins, such as LFA-1, mediate the firm arrest of leukocytes by binding intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) expressed on endothelium. Although the primary function of LFA-1 is assumed to be the ability to mediate firm adhesion, recent work has shown that LFA-1 can contribute to cell tethering and rolling under hydrodynamic flow, a role previously largely attributed to the selectins. The inserted (I) domain of LFA-1 has recently been crystallized in the wild-type (wt) and locked-open conformations and has been shown to, respectively, support rolling and firm adhesion under flow when expressed in alpha(L)beta(2) heterodimers or as isolated domains on cells. Here, we report results from cell-free adhesion assays where wt I-domain-coated polystyrene particles were allowed to interact with ICAM-1-coated surfaces in shear flow. We show that wt I-domain can independently mediate the capture of particles from flow and support their rolling on ICAM-1 surfaces in a manner similar to how carbohydrate-selectin interactions mediate rolling. Adhesion is specific and blocked by appropriate antibodies. We also show that the rolling velocity of I-domain-coated particles depends on the wall shear stress in flow chamber, I-domain site density on microsphere surfaces, and ICAM-1 site density on substrate surfaces. Furthermore, we show that rolling is less sensitive to wall shear stress and ICAM-1 substrate density at high density of I-domain on the microsphere surface. Computer simulations using adhesive dynamics can recreate bead rolling dynamics and show that the mechanochemical properties of ICAM-1-I-domain interactions are similar to those of carbohydrate-selectin interactions. Understanding the biophysics of adhesion mediated by the I-domain of LFA-1 can elucidate the complex roles this integrin plays in leukocyte adhesion in inflammation.     

Dynamics of allosteric modulation of lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 closure-open switch: unveiling the structural mechanisms associated with outside-in signaling activation

Objectives

To provide insight into the dynamics of the shape-shifting mechanistic events associated with the opening (activation) of Lymphocyte Function Associated Antigen-1 upon allosteric modulation by an activator, ICAM Binding Enhancer-667 (IBE-667), using molecular dynamics simulation.

Results

Various parameters were used to appropriately describe and understand the sequence of events that characterized its activation across the simulation period such as residual distances, TriCα angles; as well as the dihedral angle. Our findings revealed a significant residual fluctuation and stability difference between both systems. Also, there was a synergistic coordination of the active MIDAS site by the downward pull of the α7 helix upon ligand binding, which appeared to be directly proportional to each other.

Conclusion

Allosteric binding of IBE-667, activated LFA-1 integrin as evidenced by residual motion at the MIDAS region which appears to be synergistically coordinated by the downward pull of the α7 helix.

     

Model of the alphaLbeta2 integrin I-domain/ICAM-1 DI interface suggests that subtle changes in loop orientation determine ligand specificity

The interaction of the alphaLbeta2 integrin with its cellular ligand the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is critical for the tight binding interaction between most leukocytes and the vascular endothelium before transendothelial migration to the sites of inflammation. In this article we have modeled the alphaL subunit I-domain in its active form, which was computationally docked with the D1 domain of the ICAM-1 to probe potential protein-protein interactions. The experimentally observed key interaction between the carboxylate of Glu 34 in the ICAM-1 D1 domain and the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) in the open alphaL I-domain was consistently reproduced by our calculations. The calculations reveal the nature of the alphaLbeta2/ICAM-1 interaction and suggest an explanation for the increased ligand-binding affinity in the "open" versus the "closed" conformation of the alphaL I-domain. A mechanism for substrate selectivity among alphaL, alphaM, and alpha2 I-domains is suggested whereby the orientation of the loops within the I-domain is critical in mediating the interaction of the Glu 34 carboxylate of ICAM-1 D1 with the MIDAS.     

Low affinity binding of an LFA-3/IgG1 fusion protein to CD2+ T cells is independent of cell activation

Quantitative analysis of binding of the bivalent recombinant soluble fusion protein, LFA-3/IgG1, shows that the fusion protein binds to human CD2⁺ PBLs primarily through low affinity (K_D ～ 140 μM) but also through high avidity (90 nM) interactions. The concentration dependence for LFA-3/IgGl PBL binding took the form of two overlapping bell-shaped curves separated by a clear and reproducible minimum. This was accounted for in part by minor heterogeneity in the LFA-3/IgG 1 preparations, and potentially by the ability of the ligand to bind to both CD2 and Fc receptors (FcR), best evidenced by the distinct binding properties of the fusion protein to NK and T cells. The low affinity LFA-3/ IgG 1 binding to T cells is consistent with binding to CD2 only, and is in agreement with the low affinity reported for interactions between soluble forms of LFA-3 and CD2 by surface plasmon resonance technology. Moreover, as the low affinity determinations are similar for CD2 on resting and activated T cells, although the CD2 molecule has been reported to be altered to reveal new epitopes upon T cell activation, the binding data argue against multiple cell activation-dependent affinity states of CD2 for LFA-3 binding. This is distinct from that observed with other adhesion partners, and suggests that the different adhesion pathways utilize distinct mechanisms to mediate cell adhesion.     

Intermediate-affinity LFA-1 binds alpha-actinin-1 to control migration at the leading edge of the T cell

T lymphocytes use LFA-1 to migrate into lymph nodes and inflammatory sites. To investigate the mechanisms regulating this migration, we utilize mAbs selective for conformational epitopes as probes for active LFA-1. Expression of the KIM127 epitope, but not the 24 epitope, defines the extended conformation of LFA-1, which has intermediate affinity for ligand ICAM-1. A key finding is that KIM127-positive LFA-1 forms new adhesions at the T lymphocyte leading edge. This LFA-1 links to the cytoskeleton through alpha-actinin-1 and disruption at the level of integrin or actin results in loss of cell spreading and migratory speed due to a failure of attachment at the leading edge. The KIM127 pattern contrasts with high-affinity LFA-1 that expresses both 24 and KIM127 epitopes, is restricted to the mid-cell focal zone and controls ICAM-1 attachment. Identification of distinctive roles for intermediate- and high-affinity LFA-1 in T lymphocyte migration provides a biological function for two active conformations of this integrin for the first time.