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Cloning and expression of the chicken CD18 cDNA

C A Bilsland1, T A Springer

  • 1Center for Blood Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|April 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Researchers isolated and characterized the chicken beta 2 (CD18) subunit, crucial for leukocyte integrin function in the immune response. This chicken protein can form functional hybrid molecules with human LFA-1, binding to ICAM-1 and ICAM-3.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Leukocyte integrins are vital for cellular adhesion during immune responses.
  • The beta 2 (CD18) subunit is a common component of leukocyte integrins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize the chicken beta 2 (CD18) subunit.
  • To investigate the functional properties of the chicken beta 2 subunit.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and sequencing of the chicken beta 2 subunit.
  • Analysis of sequence homology with human and murine homologues.
  • Co-expression studies with human LFA-1 alpha subunit.

Main Results:

  • The deduced 748-amino-acid sequence shows significant identity to human (65%) and murine (64%) beta 2 homologues.
  • Chicken beta 2 can associate with the human LFA-1 alpha subunit on the cell surface.
  • The resulting hybrid molecule demonstrates binding capability to purified ICAM-1 and ICAM-3.

Conclusions:

  • The chicken beta 2 (CD18) subunit is conserved and functionally similar to its mammalian counterparts.
  • This study provides insights into the evolution and function of leukocyte integrins.
  • The characterized chicken beta 2 subunit can be a valuable tool for studying integrin-mediated adhesion in avian models.

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