What is lfa-1?

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) is a cell surface protein that plays a key role in mediating the adhesion and migration of immune cells, particularly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. LFA-1 is a member of the integrin family of proteins, which are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

LFA-1 is composed of two subunits, αL (CD11a) and β2 (CD18), which form a heterodimeric complex on the cell surface. The αL subunit binds to intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) on neighboring cells, facilitating cell adhesion and signaling. This interaction is crucial for the formation of immunological synapses between T cells and antigen-presenting cells, as well as the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation.

LFA-1 also plays a role in cell signaling pathways that regulate immune cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation of LFA-1 expression or function has been implicated in various immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer.

Therapeutic targeting of LFA-1 has been explored as a potential strategy for modulating immune responses in disease settings. Drugs that block LFA-1 interactions have shown promise in the treatment of certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.