Integrin β4, keratinocytes and papillomavirus infection (Review)

Integrin B4 is a transmembrane protein expressed predominantly on epithelial cells. In human epidermis integrin B4 associates with integrin B6. Integrin a6B4 is concentrated at the basement membrane zone, where it localizes to specialized adhesion structures called hemidesmosomes. In addition to its adhesive functions, keratinocyte integrin B4 has been identified as an important regulator of epidermal homeostasis. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of integrin β4 in keratinocyte adhesion, migration, as well as growth and differentiation. Changes in integrin β4 expression in pathological conditions in skin and mucosa, especially those associated with human papillomavirus infection, are described.