What is cd18?

CD18, also known as Integrin Beta 2, is a protein that is encoded by the ITGB2 gene in humans. It is a member of the integrin family of cell surface receptors, which are involved in cell adhesion and signaling.

CD18 is primarily expressed on the surface of white blood cells, specifically on neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cells. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by helping these cells to adhere to and migrate through the endothelium to sites of infection or injury.

Mutations in the CD18 gene can lead to a rare genetic disorder called leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD-I), which is characterized by recurrent bacterial infections due to a defect in the ability of white blood cells to migrate to sites of infection.

CD18 has also been implicated in various inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases, as well as in the spread of certain cancers. Research is ongoing to better understand the role of CD18 in disease and to develop potential therapies targeting this protein.