ITGB3 (Integrin Beta 3) is a subunit of the integrin family of cell surface receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. It pairs with α subunits (e.g., αIIb or αV) to form heterodimeric receptors such as αIIbβ3 (platelet GPIIb/IIIa) and αVβ3. These integrins play critical roles in platelet aggregation, angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, and bone remodeling. The αIIbβ3 complex is essential for platelet adhesion and clot formation, while αVβ3 is implicated in cancer progression and osteoclast function.
Antibodies targeting ITGB3 are widely used in research and diagnostics to study its expression, signaling pathways, and involvement in diseases. For example, anti-ITGB3 antibodies can inhibit platelet aggregation by blocking αIIbβ3. a mechanism exploited in antithrombotic therapies (e.g., abciximab). In cancer, they help assess tumor metastasis potential due to αVβ3's role in cell migration. Dysregulation of ITGB3 is also linked to autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis.
When using ITGB3 antibodies, factors like species specificity, epitope recognition (e.g., activation-dependent vs. conformational epitopes), and cross-reactivity must be validated. Their applications span flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, functional assays, and therapeutic development. However, results require careful interpretation due to potential off-target effects or context-dependent integrin activation states.