Integrins constitute a large family of αβ heterodimeric cell surface, transmembrane proteins that recognize a large number of extracellular ligands through a metal ion-dependent interaction. The prescient term “integrin” reflects their role in integrating cell adhesion and migration with the cytoskeleton (1). Their biological and medical importance is underscored by inherited diseases causing bleeding (Glanzmann's thromasthenia) and infection (leukocyte adhesion deficiency). Additional important roles for integrins in immune, inflammatory and infectious disease have been revealed by in vitro and gene ablation studies.
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John A. McDonald (2000) studied this question.