This gene encodes the integrin alpha X chain protein. Integrins are heterodimeric integral membrane proteins composed of an alpha chain and a beta chain. This protein combines with the beta 2 chain (ITGB2) to form a leukocyte-specific integrin referred to as inactivated-C3b (iC3b) receptor 4 (CR4). The alpha X beta 2 complex seems to overlap the properties of the alpha M beta 2 integrin in the adherence of neutrophils and monocytes to stimulated endothelium cells, and in the phagocytosis of complement coated particles. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2013]
Forensic Context
A study in humans demonstrated that the ITGAX (ITGAX) is down-regulated in sepsis non-survivors compared to survivors, is significantly correlated with monocytes, and functions as a receptor in the CD23 and ICAM pathways [Liu et al. DOI:10.1590/1414-431X2025e14930]. A study in mice identified the ITGAX (Itgax) as a hub gene with downregulated expression in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and linked it to cardiovascular disease progression [Wu et al. DOI:10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110701]. A study in human skin wounds identified CD11c as a proteomic marker for dendritic cells (DCs) used in wound age estimation [Ros et al. DOI:10.3389/fmed.2021.786798].