CD11b is a cell adhesion molecule that acts as a receptor for cell surface ligands such as intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) or soluble ligands. Integrins are heterodimeric proteins that contain an a chain and b chain. Integrin aM combines with the Integrin 2 to form a leukocyte-specific integrin referred to as macrophage receptor 1 (Mac-1), or inactivated-C3b (iC3b) receptor 3 (CR3). Integrin aM/2 is important in the adherence of neutrophils and monocytes to stimulated endothelium, and also in the phagocytosis of complement coated particles. The protein CD11b has been implicated in the various adhesion-related interactions of cells such as monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and granulocytes. It is part of a heterodimer that consists of CD11b andCD18. It also modulates the uptake of complement-coated particles within the cell. It is commonly used as a microglial marker in tissues derived from the nervous system.
