The expression of VLA integrins in the human tonsilla palatina.

The integrin receptors are a family of transmembrane glycoproteins comprising non-covalent heterodimers. They interact with a wide variety of ligands including extracellular matrix glycoproteins, complement and other cell, while their intracellular domains interact with the cytoskeleton. They participate in cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion in many physiologically important processes including embryological development, hemostasis, thrombosis, wound healing, immune and nonimmune defense mechanisms, and in oncogenic transformation. This investigation was focused on the histological distribution of the beta 1-integrins in the human tonsil using an indirect immunoperoxidase method. Present data suggest that lymphocyte and antigen presenting cells (FDCs, IDCs, and macrophages) interact with each other following adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins (e.g. fibronectin) through their integrin receptors in order to carry out special immunological functions. In addition, stromal elements and epithelial components were shown to express VLA integrins providing interactions for tissue organization and compartmentalization.