CD11a

Integrin, alpha L (antigen CD11A (p180), lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1; alpha polypeptide), also known as ITGAL, is a human is_associated_with::gene which functions in the immune system. It is involved in cellular adhesion and costimulatory signaling. It is the target of the drug is_associated_with::efalizumab.

Function
ITGAL encodes the integrin alpha L chain. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. This I-domain containing alpha integrin combines with the beta 2 chain (ITGB2) to form the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), which is expressed on all leukocytes. LFA-1 plays a central role in leukocyte intercellular adhesion through interactions with its ligands, ICAMs 1-3 (intercellular adhesion molecules 1 through 3), and also functions in lymphocyte costimulatory signaling.

CD11a is one of the two components, along with is_associated_with::CD18, which form is_associated_with::lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1.

is_associated_with::Efalizumab acts as an is_associated_with::immunosuppressant by binding to CD11a.

Interactions
CD11a has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::ICAM-1.