Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Generating a Fractal Microstructure of Laminin-111 to Signal to Cells
Published on: September 28, 2020
Regulation of the Immune System by Laminins
Thomas Simon1, Jonathan S Bromberg1
1Departments of Surgery and Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Disease, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Laminins are trimeric proteins that are major components of the basement membranes that separate endothelia and epithelia from the underlying tissue. Sixteen laminin isoforms have been described, each with distinct tissue expression patterns and functions. While laminins have a critical structural role, recent evidence also indicates that they also impact the migration and functions of immune cells. Laminins are differentially expressed upon immunity or tolerance and orientate the immune response. This review will summarize the structure of laminins, the modulation of their expression, and their interactions with the immune system. Finally, the role of the laminins in autoimmune diseases and transplantation will be discussed.
Laminins are trimeric proteins that are major components of the basement membranes that separate endothelia and epithelia from the underlying tissue. Sixteen laminin isoforms have been described, each with distinct tissue expression patterns and functions. While laminins have a critical structural role, recent evidence also indicates that they also impact the migration and functions of immune cells. Laminins are differentially expressed upon immunity or tolerance and orientate the immune response. This review will summarize the structure of laminins, the modulation of their expression, and their interactions with the immune system. Finally, the role of the laminins in autoimmune diseases and transplantation will be discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Laminins are the Adhesive Proteins of Basal Lamina
In humans, the five forms of alpha chains are LAMA 1, LAMA 2, LAMA 3, LAMA 4, and LAMA 5. The four forms of beta chains are LAMB 1, LAMB 2, LAMB 3, and LAMB 4. The three forms of gamma...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Basal Lamina are the Specialized Form of ECM
Proteins...
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
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...

