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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Artificial Antigen Presenting Cell (aAPC) Mediated Activation and Expansion of Natural Killer T Cells
Published on: December 29, 2012
A leukocyte integrin binding peptide from intercellular adhesion molecule-2 stimulates T cell adhesion and natural
Abstract:
Adhesion is of pivotal importance for a number of leukocyte functions. Little is known about the binding between leukocyte integrins and the intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs). Normally integrins are nonadhesive, and require a stimulus to become active. We have now identified a peptide from ICAM-2, which binds to leukocyte integrins and activates adhesion. Furthermore, the peptide strongly increased the binding and cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. These findings show that adhesion-dependent leukocyte functions can be activated by ligand-derived peptides, and therefore provide evidence that the avidity of leukocyte integrins is up-regulated by integrin-ligand interactions.
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