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Integrin α5β1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: expression, mechanisms, and clinical implications

Bo Wu1, Hong-Zhi Ma2, Jun-Jun Shang1

  • 1Health College, Binzhou Polytechnic No. 919, Huanghe 12th Road, Bincheng District, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, P. R. China.

American Journal of Cancer Research
|March 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Integrin α5β1 is implicated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression and treatment resistance. Targeting this molecule may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for HNSCC patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a significant global health burden with high mortality.
  • Therapeutic resistance is a major challenge limiting the effectiveness of current HNSCC treatments.
  • Integrins, cell adhesion receptors, influence tumor behavior; integrin α5β1 is increasingly recognized in HNSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the aberrant expression of integrin α5β1 in HNSCC subtypes (OSCC, NPC, LSCC).
  • To summarize integrin α5β1's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.
  • To discuss molecular mechanisms, therapeutic resistance links, and clinical applications of targeting integrin α5β1.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on integrin α5β1 in HNSCC.
  • Analysis of aberrant expression patterns in various HNSCC subtypes.
  • Synthesis of data on molecular mechanisms and downstream signaling pathways.
  • Evaluation of potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications.

Main Results:

  • Integrin α5β1 shows aberrant expression in HNSCC, including oral, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal subtypes.
  • Evidence suggests integrin α5β1 plays a role in HNSCC progression and resistance to therapy.
  • Potential utility of integrin α5β1 as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis is indicated.

Conclusions:

  • Integrin α5β1 is a key mediator in HNSCC progression and therapeutic resistance.
  • Targeting integrin α5β1 presents promising avenues for developing personalized diagnostic tools and novel therapies for HNSCC.
  • Further research is warranted to fully elucidate its clinical applications.
Keywords:
Integrin α5β1head and neck squamous cell carcinomaprognostic indicatortargettherapy resistance

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