Pathogenic microorganisms utilize a variety of cell surface receptors to gain entry into host cells and to bypass the natural defense mechanisms. One of the most prominent receptors used in this fashion is the leukocyte adhesion receptor CD11b/c. This integrin is the primary leukocyte receptor for a number of pathogens, including Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Leishmania species, Bordetella pertussis, and Candida albicans. CD11b/c is the principal adhesion receptor for C. albicans on neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, and this interaction leads to suppression of the immune response to the microorganism. As the major cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections, the recognition of C. albicans by CD11b/c has major pathogenetic consequences (1).
WB analysis of CD11b/c in Raw 264.7 whole cell lysate.
It has been reported(2) that the expression of CD-11b/c in circulating neutrophils is up-regulated in COPD patients, suggesting that neutrophils in the systemic circulation are primed in COPD patients, consistent with the reports suggesting that the neutrophil migratory function might be facilitated in the systemic circulation in COPD patients. The overexpression of CD-11b/c in circulating neutrophils as determined by flowcytometry using anti-CD11b/c antibodies may be associated with the development of airflow limitation in COPD patients (3). Greater understanding of this unique adhesion molecule could provide avenues for novel adhesion based antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory therapies.
Novus Biologicals offers CD11b/c reagents for your research needs including:
