Integrin αDβ2 (CD11d/CD18) Is Expressed by Human Circulating and Tissue Myeloid Leukocytes and Mediates Inflammatory Signaling

Integrin αDβ2 is the most recently identified member of the leukocyte, or β2, subfamily of integrin heterodimers. Its distribution and functions on human leukocytes have not been clearly defined and are controversial. We examined these issues and found that αDβ2 is prominently expressed by leukocytes in whole blood from healthy human subjects, including most polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. We also found that αDβ2 is displayed by leukocytes in the alveoli of uninjured and inflamed human lungs and by human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells, indicating broad myeloid expression. Using freshly-isolated human monocytes, we found that αDβ2 delivers outside-in signals to pathways that regulate cell spreading and gene expression. Screening expression analysis followed by validation of candidate transcripts demonstrated that engagement of αDβ2 induces mRNAs encoding inflammatory chemokines and cytokines and secretion of their protein products. Thus, αDβ2 is a major member of the integrin repertoire of both circulating and tissue myeloid leukocytes in humans. Its broad expression and capacity for outside-in signaling indicate that it is likely to have important functions in clinical syndromes of infection, inflammation, and tissue injury.