The Role of Integrin Expressing Cells in Modulating Disease Susceptibility and Progression (January 2016).

In this review we have summarized the role of gut homing molecules with a focus on the heterodimeric integrin α4β7 since the α4β7 has been shown to be important in modulating SIV transmission, disease susceptibility and progression. This review provides an overview of integrins, their structure and function to provide a general background upon which the role of the α4β7 integrin can best be understood. We also describe integrins and their cognate receptors and their potential role in modulating disease that we hope provides some food for thought on how such knowledge can be utilized for vaccine formulation.