Integrin beta-8

Integrin beta-8 (ITGB8) is a transmembrane adhesion molecule that functions as the β-subunit of integrin αV:β8, a fibronectin receptor that recognizes R-G-D sequences in extracellular matrix ligands (UniProt: P26012). This integrin is also involved in transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) activation through interaction with regulatory T cells, a process important for immune homeostasis and vasculogenesis.

ITGB8 is expressed in vascular and immune cells where it mediates cell-matrix interactions and immune regulation. The UniProt record lists no primary disease associations for this protein.

Integrin beta-8 is moderately upregulated in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue. Proteomics analysis of post-mortem AD brain versus age-matched controls detected a mean log2 fold-change of +0.67 in one subcellular fraction (Chaparral AD proteomics), indicating increased protein abundance in the disease state. This elevation may reflect altered vascular integrity or changes in immune cell infiltration characteristic of AD pathology, though the specific functional consequence remains to be determined.