Integrin beta6 mediates phospholipid and collectin homeostasis by activation of latent TGF-beta1.

ABSTRACT: Surfactant lines the alveolar surface and prevents alveolar collapse. Derangements of surfactant cause respiratory failure and interstitial lung diseases. The collectins, surfactant proteins A and D, are also important in innate host defense. However, surfactant regulation in the postnatal lung is poorly understood. We found that the epithelial integrin, alphavbeta6, regulates surfactant homeostasis in vivo by activating latent transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. Adult mice lacking the beta-subunit of alphavbeta6 (Itgb6-/-) developed increased bronchoalveolar lavage phospholipids and surfactant proteins A and D, and demonstrated abnormal-appearing alveolar macrophages, reminiscent of the human disease pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Using lung-specific expression of constitutively activ

SUBMITTER: Koth LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2219547 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature