Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development of a Method for Identifying Small Molecular Antagonists of β2 Integrin Activation
Published on: February 2, 2024
[Natalizumab: an antibody targeting α4-integrin]
1Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), in which inflammation develops upon leukocyte invasion into the CNS via the blood-brain barrier. α4-Integrin is an important cell adhesion molecule involved in the penetration process. Natalizumab is an α4-integrin-targeting monoclonal antibody that was recently approved for use as a disease-modifying therapy for MS in Japan. In this article, the mechanism of action, efficacy, and side effects of natalizumab will be reviewed.
More Related Videos
08:27Dynamic Adhesion Assay for the Functional Analysis of Anti-adhesion Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published on: September 20, 2018
11:10Antibody Binding Specificity for Kappa (Vκ) Light Chain-containing Human (IgM) Antibodies: Polysialic Acid (PSA) Attached to NCAM as a Case Study
Published on: June 29, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding...
Integrins
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF