VLA-4

It functions to promote an inflammatory response by the immune system by assisting in the movement of leukocytes to tissue that requires inflammation.

[3] However, VLA-4 does not adhere to its appropriate ligands until the leukocytes are activated by chemotactic agents or other stimuli (often produced by the endothelium or other cells at the site of injury).

[4] The expression of VLA-4 in the plasma membrane is regulated by different growth factors or chemokines depending on the cell type.

In mice, it has been shown that injected anti-alpha antibodies result in an increase in progenitor cell circulation and duration.

[4] In multiple sclerosis (MS), the VLA-4 integrin is essential in the processes by which T-cells gain access to the brain.

[9] However, the usage of natalizumab, an antagonist of VLA-4 integrin, remains controversial due to several side effects including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

[10] Additionally, it has been shown that VLA-4-ligand interactions can affect the sensitivity to chemotherapy in patients with malignancies in blood-forming tissue.