Itgae, encoding CD103, is a cell adhesion molecule. It plays a role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and is involved in the localization and function of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM). It may also be associated with pathways related to immune activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [1,2,3]. Understanding its function is crucial for comprehending immune-related biological processes and disease mechanisms, and genetic models like gene knockout mice can offer insights into its in-vivo role.

In non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, ITGAE is expressed by a subset of CD8+ T cells that infiltrate pancreatic islets before diabetes development. ITGAE-deficient NOD mice show a significant delay in diabetes development at early time points. Treatment of WT NOD mice with a depleting anti-ITGAE mAb from 2-5 weeks of age also leads to a decreased diabetes incidence, indicating that ITGAE+ cells play a key role in the development of autoimmune diabetes [4].

In conclusion, Itgae is essential for the function and localization of certain immune cells, especially in the context of tissue-resident memory T cells. Studies using gene knockout mouse models in autoimmune diabetes have revealed its significance in the early stages of the disease, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases [4].

References:

1. Hu, Xiang, Li, Ya-Qi, Li, Qing-Guo, Peng, Jun-Jie, Cai, San-Jun. 2018. ITGAE Defines CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Predicting a better Prognostic Survival in Colorectal Cancer. In EBioMedicine, 35, 178-188. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.08.003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30100393/

2. Wang, Fuhao, Yue, Shengqin, Huang, Qingyu, Yue, Jinbo, Liu, Chao. 2024. Cellular heterogeneity and key subsets of tissue-resident memory T cells in cervical cancer. In NPJ precision oncology, 8, 145. doi:10.1038/s41698-024-00637-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39014148/

3. Liang, Yuan, Bu, Qingfa, You, Wenhua, Huang, Tianning, Lu, Ling. 2024. Single-cell analysis reveals hypoxia-induced immunosuppressive microenvironment in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular basis of disease, 1870, 167276. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167276. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38844114/

4. Barrie, Elizabeth S, Lodder, Mels, Weinreb, Paul H, Mi, Qing-Sheng, Hadley, Gregg A. 2014. Role of ITGAE in the development of autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice. In The Journal of endocrinology, 224, 235-43. doi:10.1530/JOE-14-0396. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25525188/