Expression of the VLA family of integrins in coeliac intestinal mucosa

The integrins, a family of cell surface proteins, mediate cell adhesion and may influence within the intestinal mucosa processes such as migration and/or proliferation and differentiation of enterocytes and lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution pattern of integrin subunits (VLA alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 1 chains) in normal intestinal mucosa and in that of patients with active coeliac disease (CD) and CD in remission. Immunohistochemical techniques and double immunostainings with monoclonal antibodies were used for investigation of the VLA alpha family of integrins and beta 1 chain distribution. While the majority of the findings are consistent with the few data previously reported in the literature, surprising is the finding of a lack of expression of VLA alpha 1 on the intraepithelial lymphocytes in the coeliac mucosa. The deficient VLA alpha 1 expression on IEL in coeliac but not in normal mucosa may imply a genetic variation or a specific deficiency of gene expression during T cell differentiation and activation.