Arnaout, M.2016-11-182016Arnaout, M. Amin. 2016. “Biology and structure of leukocyte β 2 integrins and their role in inflammation.” F1000Research 5 (1): F1000 Faculty Rev-2433. doi:10.12688/f1000research.9415.1. http://dx.doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.9415.1.2046-1402http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:29408167Integrins comprise a large family of αβ heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors that are expressed on all cells except red blood cells and that play essential roles in the regulation of cell growth and function. The leukocyte integrins, which include members of the β 1, β 2, β 3, and β 7 integrin family, are critical for innate and adaptive immune responses but also can contribute to many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases when dysregulated. This review focuses on the β 2 integrins, the principal integrins expressed on leukocytes. We review their discovery and role in host defense, the structural basis for their ligand recognition and activation, and their potential as therapeutic targets.en-USArticlesBiomacromolecule-Ligand InteractionsCell AdhesionCell SignalingCell Signaling & Trafficking StructuresDrug Discovery & DesignGenetics of the Immune SystemImmune ResponseImmunity to InfectionsImmunopharmacology & Hematologic PharmacologyLeukocyte Signaling & Gene ExpressionMembrane Proteins & Energy TransductionMolecular Pharmacologyinflammationintegrinsleukocytesintegrin structureJournal Article2016-11-1810.12688/f1000research.9415.1