CD103/Integrin alpha E [ITGAE/2063]

CD103, also known as integrin alpha E (ITGAE), is an integrin protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGAE gene. It binds integrin beta 7 to form the complete heterodimeric molecular αEβ7 that binds to an extracellular matrix component and cellular counter receptor. They mediate cell adhesion, migration and signaling and are important for T lymphocyte localization. CD103 is expressed on intraepithelial lymphocytes in mucosal areas, including lung and GI tract. In malignancies, CD103 is present on all enteropathy-type T-cell lymphomas. Additionally, CD103 has been a useful marker for hairy cell leukemia.