Very Late Activation Antigen Receptors (VLA receptors), also known as integrins, are a group of cell surface proteins that play an essential role in cell adhesion and signaling processes. These receptors are found on various types of cells, including immune cells, and are involved in critical physiological functions such as immune responses, inflammation, wound healing, and tissue remodeling.
VLA receptors are heterodimeric proteins consisting of α and β subunits that combine to form different receptor subtypes with distinct properties and binding specificities. The α subunit determines the ligand specificity, while the β subunit mediates intercellular adhesion and signal transduction. The most well-known VLA receptors include the α4β1 (VLA-4) and αLβ2 (LFA-1) integrins.
When activated, VLA receptors undergo conformational changes that allow them to bind to ligands present on the surface of other cells or components of the extracellular matrix. This interaction facilitates cell adhesion, migration, and communication with neighboring cells. Additionally, VLA receptors can transmit intracellular signals upon ligand binding, leading to the regulation of gene expression and the activation of various signaling pathways.
Dysregulation or malfunction of VLA receptors has been associated with numerous diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cancer metastasis, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, VLA receptors have become attractive targets for therapeutic interventions, and pharmaceutical compounds capable of modulating their activity are currently being developed.
