title: The alpha4beta1 integrin in sickle cell disease.
abstract: The alpha4beta1 integrin is an adhesion receptor expressed on reticulocytes in sickle cell disease (SCD) and mediates the adhesion of these cells to sub-endothelial matrix proteins and the endothelium. In this review, we describe the mechanism of activation of the alpha4beta1 integrin on sickle reticulocytes and discuss novel roles for this integrin in SCD as a result of this activation. We also illustrate novel therapies in SCD that may target the integrin and alleviate vaso-occlusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 7260, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Brittain
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Parise
mesh_terms: D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D012156:Reticulocytes / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1