HLA class I antigen (heavy and light chain) expression by Langerhans cells and keratinocytes of the normal human epidermis: ultrastructural quantitation using immunogold labelling procedure

Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent stimulation of differentiation by human papillomavirus type 16 E5

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect keratinocytes of stratified squamous epithelia, and persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, such as HPV16, may lead to the development of malignancies. HPV evades host immunity in part by linking its gene expression to the host differentiation program, and therefore relies on differentiation to complete its life cycle. Based on previous reports indicating that the HPV16 protein E5 is important in the late stages of the differentiation-dependent life cycle, we found that organotypic cultures harboring HPV16 genomes lacking E5 showed reduced markers of terminal differentiation compared to wild type HPV16-containing cultures. We found that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) levels and activation were increased in an E5-depdendent manner in these tissues, and that EGFR promoted terminal differentiation and expression of the HPV16 L1 gene. These findings suggest a function for E5 in preserving the ability of HPV16 containing keratinocytes to differentiate, thus facilitating the production of new virus progeny.

Suppression of a Subset of Interferon-Induced Genes by Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E7 via a Cyclin Dependent Kinase 8-Dependent Mechanism

Persistent infection by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), small, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect keratinocytes of the squamous epithelia, can lead to the development of cervical and other cancers. The viral oncoprotein E7 contributes to viral persistence in part by regulating host gene expression through binding host transcriptional regulators, although mechanisms responsible for E7-mediated transcriptional regulation are incompletely understood. Type I IFN signaling promotes the expression of anti-viral genes, called interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), through the phosphorylation and activation of STAT1. In this study, we have observed that the CR3 domain of E7 contributes to the episomal maintenance of viral genomes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that E7 transcriptionally suppresses a subset of ISGs but not through regulation of STAT1 activation. Instead, we discovered that E7 associates with Mediator kinase CDK8 and this is correlated with the recruitment of CDK8 to ISG promoters and reduced ISG expression. E7 fails to suppress ISGs in the absence of CDK8, indicating that CDK8 function contributes to the suppression of ISGs by E7. Altogether, E7/CDK8 association may be a novel mechanism by which E7 inhibits innate immune signaling.

Human Papillomavirus 16 E5 Inhibits Interferon Signaling and Supports Episomal Viral Maintenance

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect keratinocytes of stratified epithelia. Long-term persistence of infection is a critical risk factor for the development of HPV-induced malignancies. Through the actions of its oncogenes, HPV evades host immune responses to facilitate its productive life cycle. In this work, we discovered a previously unknown function of the HPV16 E5 oncoprotein in the suppression of interferon (IFN) responses. This suppression is focused on keratinocyte-specific IFN-κ and is mediated through E5-induced changes in growth factor signaling pathways, as identified through phosphoproteomics analysis. The loss of E5 in keratinocytes maintaining the complete HPV16 genome results in the derepression of IFNK transcription and subsequent JAK/STAT-dependent upregulation of several IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also established a link between the loss of E5 and the subsequent loss of genome maintenance and stability, resulting in increased genome integration.IMPORTANCE Persistent human papillomavirus infections can cause a variety of significant cancers. The ability of HPV to persist depends on evasion of the host immune system. In this study, we show that the HPV16 E5 protein can suppress an important aspect of the host immune response. In addition, we find that the E5 protein is important for helping the virus avoid integration into the host genome, which is a frequent step along the pathway to cancer development.

Analysis of cellular autofluorescence in touch samples by flow cytometry: implications for front end separation of trace mixture evidence

The goal of this study was to survey optical and biochemical variation in cell populations deposited onto a surface through touch or contact and identify specific features that may be used to distinguish and then sort cell populations from separate contributors in a trace biological mixture. Although we were not able to detect meaningful biochemical variation in touch samples deposited by different contributors through preliminary antibody surveys, we did observe distinct differences in red autofluorescence emissions (650-670 nm), with as much as a tenfold difference in mean fluorescence intensities observed between certain pairs of donors. Results indicate that the level of red autofluorescence in touch samples can be influenced by a donor's contact with specific material prior to handling the substrate from which cells were collected. In particular, we observed increased red autofluorescence in cells deposited subsequent to handling laboratory gloves, plant material, and certain types of marker ink, which could be easily visualized microscopically or using flow cytometry, and persisted after hand washing. To test whether these observed optical differences could potentially be used as the basis for a cell separation workflow, a controlled two-person touch mixture was separated into two fractions via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) using gating criteria based on intensity of 650-670 nm emissions and then subjected to DNA analysis. Genetic analysis of the sorted fractions provided partial DNA profiles that were consistent with separation of individual contributors from the mixture suggesting that variation in autofluorescence signatures, even if driven by extrinsic factors, may nonetheless be a useful means of isolating contributors to some touch mixtures. Graphical Abstract Conceptual workflow diagram. Trace biological mixtures containing cells from multiple individuals are analyzed by flow cytometry. Cells are then physically separated into two populations based on intensity of red autofluorescence using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting. Each isolated cell fraction is subjected to DNA analysis resulting in a DNA profile for each contributor.

Regulation of the human papillomavirus type 16 late promoter by transcriptional elongation

Transcripts from the late promoter of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) are upregulated upon host cell differentiation. Differentiation-dependent transcript regulation is thought to sequester viral antigens in the uppermost epithelial layers, facilitating immune evasion. The mechanisms regulating late promoter upregulation during differentiation are poorly characterized. We show that the late promoter is upregulated at the transcriptional level and that the viral enhancer stimulates promoter activity. Using kinase inhibition and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we show evidence for differentiation-dependent enhancement of transcript elongation. Three factors that promote transcript elongation, cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), CDK8 (a subunit of the Mediator complex), and bromodomain containing protein 4 (Brd4) are recruited to viral genomes upon differentiation, and each plays a role in promoter activity. These results shed light on the transcriptional processes utilized by HPV16 for proper regulation of gene expression during the viral life cycle.

The human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein as a regulator of transcription

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) encode oncoproteins which manipulate gene expression patterns in the host keratinocytes to facilitate viral replication, regulate viral transcription, and promote immune evasion and persistence. In some cases, oncoprotein-induced changes in host cell behavior can cause progression to cancer, but a complete picture of the functions of the viral oncoproteins in the productive HPV life cycle remains elusive. E7 is the HPV-encoded factor most responsible for maintaining cell cycle competence in differentiating keratinocytes. Through interactions with dozens of host factors, E7 has an enormous impact on host gene expression patterns. In this review, we will examine the role of E7 specifically as a regulator of transcription. We will discuss mechanisms of regulation of cell cycle-related genes by E7 as well as genes involved in immune regulation, growth factor signaling, DNA damage responses, microRNAs, and others pathways. We will also discuss some unanswered questions about how transcriptional regulation by E7 impacts the biology of HPV in both benign and malignant conditions.

The Interaction Between Human Papillomaviruses and the Stromal Microenvironment

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, double-stranded DNA viruses that replicate in stratified squamous epithelia and cause a variety of malignancies. Current efforts in HPV biology are focused on understanding the virus-host interactions that enable HPV to persist for years or decades in the tissue. The importance of interactions between tumor cells and the stromal microenvironment has become increasingly apparent in recent years, but how stromal interactions impact the normal, benign life cycle of HPVs, or progression of lesions to cancer is less understood. Furthermore, how productively replicating HPV impacts cells in the stromal environment is also unclear. Here we bring together some of the relevant literature on keratinocyte-stromal interactions and their impacts on HPV biology, focusing on stromal fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. We discuss how HPV oncogenes in infected cells manipulate other cells in their environment, and, conversely, how neighboring cells may impact the efficiency or course of HPV infection.

Analysis of red autofluorescence (650-670nm) in epidermal cell populations and its potential for distinguishing contributors to 'touch' biological samples

Interpretation of touch DNA mixtures poses a significant challenge for forensic caseworking laboratories.  Front end techniques that facilitate separation of contributor cell populations before DNA extraction are a way to circumvent this problem. The goal of this study was to survey intrinsic fluorescence of epidermal cells collected from touch surfaces and investigate whether this property could potentially be used to discriminate between contributor cell populations in a biological mixture.  Analysis of red autofluorescence (650-670nm) showed that some contributors could be distinguished on this basis. Variation was also observed between autofluorescence profiles of epidermal cell populations from a single contributor sampled on different days. This dataset suggests that red autofluorescence may be a useful marker for identifying distinct cell populations in some mixtures. Future efforts should continue to investigate the extrinsic or intrinsic factors contributing to this signature, and to identify additional biomarkers that could complement this system.

Separate developmental programs for HLA-A and -B cell surface expression during differentiation from embryonic stem cells to lymphocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts

A major problem of allogeneic stem cell therapy is immunologically mediated graft rejection. HLA class I A, B, and Cw antigens are crucial factors, but little is known of their respective expression on stem cells and their progenies. We have recently shown that locus-specific expression (HLA-A, but not -B) is seen on some multipotent stem cells, and this raises the question how this is in other stem cells and how it changes during differentiation. In this study, we have used flow cytometry to investigate the cell surface expression of HLA-A and -B on human embryonic stem cells (hESC), human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSC), human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and their fully-differentiated progenies such as lymphocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts. hESC showed extremely low levels of HLA-A and no -B. In contrast, multipotent hMSC and hHSC generally expressed higher levels of HLA-A and clearly HLA-B though at lower levels. IFNγ induced HLA-A to very high levels on both hESC and hMSC and HLA-B on hMSC. Even on hESC, a low expression of HLA-B was achieved. Differentiation of hMSC to osteoblasts downregulated HLA-A expression (P = 0.017). Interestingly HLA class I on T lymphocytes differed between different compartments. Mature bone marrow CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressed similar HLA-A and -B levels as hHSC, while in the peripheral blood they expressed significantly more HLA-B7 (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.004 for CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, respectively). Thus different HLA loci are differentially regulated during differentiation of stem cells.

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition augments the expression of MHC class I and II genes

PURPOSE

Diverse immune-related effects occur with the use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI). In addition to the cutaneous inflammation induced by EGFRIs, these agents have been associated with the exacerbation of autoimmune skin disease and contact hypersensitivity, antiviral effects, and fatal alveolar damage in the setting of lung transplantation. Because EGFR ligands can modulate MHC class I (MHCI) and II (MHCII) molecule expression, we hypothesized that some of the immune-related effects of EGFRIs are due to direct effects on the expression of MHCI and/or MHCII molecules.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Primary human keratinocytes and a malignant keratinocyte cell line (A431) were treated with EGFRIs alone or prior to IFN-γ, a potent inducer of MHCI and MHCII molecule expression. CIITA, MHCI, and MHCII RNA expression was measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR, and cell surface MHCI and MHCII protein expression was measured using flow cytometry. Skin biopsies from patients were analyzed for MHCI and MHCII protein expression before and during therapy with an EGFRI using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Both EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ligand-blocking antibodies (cetuximab) augmented the induction of MHCI and MHCII molecules by IFN-γ in primary and malignant human keratinocytes. Unexpectedly, the increase in MHCI protein expression did not require the presence of IFN-γ. Consistent with these in vitro findings, skin biopsies from cancer patients exhibited increased epidermal MHCI protein expression during therapy with an EGFRI as well as increases in MHCI and MHCII molecule RNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies suggest that EGFRIs may influence immune/inflammatory responses by directly modulating MHC expression. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4400-13. ©2011 AACR.

Immunopathological mechanisms of eosinophilic oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EO) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oesophagus, with an emergent character, defined by the presence of a dense infiltrate by eosinophilic leukocytes restricted to the mucosa of this organ after excluding gastro-oesophageal acid reflux. It is manifested by chronic and/or recurrent dysphagia and episodes of oesophageal alimentary impaction, with great variation in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration of the attacks.

METHODS

An Internet-based search was performed for the most recent articles with relevant information concerning immunopathological mechanisms involved in EO.

RESULTS

Bibliographical data allow us to define that EO is related to an allergic or hypersensitivity-induced reaction after exposure to foods or inhalants, with increased prevalence of sensitisation to these allergens. Data published up to now suggest a cellular hypersensitivity reaction rather than a humoral one in the physiopathology of EO. In this disease, sensitised T-lymphocytes mediate a Th2 type response, releasing cytokines such as IL-5, with a possible Th1 component that requires further investigation. The function of the abundant CD8+ T-lymphocytes present in the oesophageal epithelium has yet to be explained. Mast cells also participate in epithelial inflammatory infiltrate in EO, and it is still unknown if its activation, mainly through IgE, contributes to the immunopathology of the disease even though EO rarely manifests immediate hypersensitivity reactions. IL-5 and different forms of eotaxins perform an important active role in the recruitment of eosinophils to the oesophagus.

CONCLUSIONS

EO is an immunologically complex and little studied entity that is associated with other allergic diseases and in which different effector cells participate, determining an immunological response of cellular rather than a humoral hypersensitivity reaction. The data available point out that EO is a disorder of the Th2 retarded immune response, in which the triggering factor might not be IgE. Although the final inflammatory phenomena observed in EO are common for the different patients, the cascade of inflammatory mediators that lead to them might not be identical in all cases, and the morphological and functional disorders observed in EO would represent the final convergence of different activation forms of the mechanisms of inflammation.

The mucosal immune response to laryngopharyngeal reflux

RATIONALE

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) affects up to 20% of Western populations. Although individual morbidity is usually moderate, treatment costs are high and there are associations with other diseases, including laryngeal cancer. To date, there have been no studies of the mucosal immune response to this common inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the mucosal immune response to LPR.

METHODS

We performed a prospective immunologic study of laryngeal biopsies from patients with LPR and control subjects (n = 12 and 11, respectively), and of primary laryngeal epithelial cells in vitro.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Quantitative multiple-color immunofluorescence, using antibodies for lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD3, CD79, CD161), granulocytes (CD68, EMBP), monocytic cells (CD68, major histocompatibility complex [MHC] class II), and classical and nonclassical MHC (I, II, beta(2)-microglobulin, CD1d). Univariate and multivariate analysis and colocalization measurements were applied. There was an increase in percentage area of mucosal CD8(+) cells in the epithelium (P < 0.005), whereas other leukocyte and granulocyte antigens were unchanged. Although epithelial MHC class I and II expression was unchanged by reflux, expression of the nonclassical MHC molecule CD1d increased (P < 0.05, luminal layers). In vitro, laryngeal epithelial cells constitutively expressed CD1d. CD1d and MHC I expression were inversely related in all subjects, in a pattern which appears to be unique to the upper airway. Colocalization of natural killer T (NKT) cells with CD1d increased in patients (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate a role for the CD1d-NKT cell axis in response to LPR in humans. This represents a useful target for novel diagnostics and treatments in this common condition.

Do immune responses to inhaled skin flakes modulate the expression of allergic disease?

We examine the nature of the immune responses to inhaled skin particles and query whether early exposure could play a role in providing protection against the development of allergic disease. Currently, the main hypothesis used to explain environmental modulation of allergic diseases, the 'hygiene hypothesis', is linked exclusively to microbial exposures acting upon the innate immune system. However, many of the exposures sustaining this hypothesis also involve co-exposure to skin flakes from humans or animals. Such skin flakes contain a complex mixture of antigens, glycolipids and small peptides that may induce immune responses. Should these responses prove relevant to the modulation of allergic diseases, it provides new opportunities to better understand the epidemic of allergic disease and to develop new interventions for its prevention.

Characterization of the defective interaction between a subset of natural killer cells and dendritic cells in HIV-1 infection

In this study, we demonstrate that the in vitro interactions between a CD56(neg)/CD16(pos) (CD56(neg)) subset of natural killer (NK) cells and autologous dendritic cells (DCs) from HIV-1-infected viremic but not aviremic individuals are markedly impaired and likely interfere with the development of an effective immune response. Among the defective interactions are abnormalities in the process of reciprocal NK-DC activation and maturation as well as a defect in the NK cell-mediated editing or elimination of immature DCs (iDCs). Notably, the lysis of mature DCs (mDCs) by autologous NK cells was highly impaired even after the complete masking of major histocompatibility complex I molecules, suggesting that the defective elimination of autologous iDCs is at the level of activating NK cell receptors. In this regard, the markedly impaired expression/secretion and function of NKp30 and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, particularly among the CD56(neg) NK cell subset, largely accounts for the highly defective NK cell-mediated lysis of autologous iDCs. Moreover, mDCs generated from HIV-1 viremic but not aviremic patients are substantially impaired in their ability to secrete interleukin (IL)-10 and -12 and to prime the proliferation of neighboring autologous NK cells, which, in turn, fail to secrete adequate amounts of interferon-gamma.

The human hair follicle immune system: cellular composition and immune privilege

The immunology of the hair follicle, its relationship with the 'skin immune system' and its role in hair diseases remain biologically intriguing and clinically important. In this study, we analysed the immunoreactivity patterns of 15 immunodermatological markers to determine the cellular composition and immune privilege of the human hair follicle immune system in anagen VI (growth phase). The most prominent cells located in or around the hair follicle were Langerhans cells, CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, macrophages and mast cells, whereas B cells, natural killer cells and gammadelta T cells were found very rarely. Langerhans cells (CD1a+, major histocompatibility complex, MHC class II+), and T cells (CD4+ or CD8+) were predominantly distributed in the distal hair follicle epithelium, whereas macrophages (CD68+, MHC class II+) and mast cells (Giemsa+) were located in the perifollicular connective tissue sheath. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed low numbers of immune cells in the proximal hair follicle epithelium, and very few macrophages and Langerhans cells were seen in the dermal papilla. Melanophages were observed in the connective tissue sheath and dermal papilla. MHC class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) and beta2-microglobulin immunoreactivity was found on most skin cells, but was substantially reduced on isthmus keratinocytes and virtually absent in the proximal hair follicle epithelium. Apart from the absence of Fas ligand immunoreactivity, the sharply reduced numbers of T cells and Langerhans cells, and the virtual absence of MHC class I expression all suggest that the anagen proximal hair follicle constitutes an area of immune privilege within the hair follicle immune system, whose collapse may be crucial for the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.

An immunocytochemical study of MHC class I expression on human Langerhans cells and melanocytes

Classical MHC class I glycoproteins (HLA-A, B, and C) present endogenous cytosolic peptide antigen fragments to CD8-positive T-cells. CD8-positive T-cell recognition and destruction of virus-infected cells are dependent on adequate cellular MHC class I expression. Constitutive MHC class I expression is ubiquitous, but known to be deficient on specific differentiated cell types which include hepatocytes, neurones, chondrocytes and myocytes. Although enabling assessment of MHC class I expression on individual cells, limitations of immunocytochemistry were encountered with this assessment on Langerhans cells and melanocytes. These dispersed intraepidermal cells were obscured by adjacent keratinocytes in sections immunostained for MHC class I glycoproteins. Initiatives designed to resolve the issue have included immunoelectron microscopy, cell culture techniques, and animal bone marrow chimera models. Despite the elegance of these techniques, the issue of MHC class I expression on Langerhans cells and melanocytes remains unresolved. In this immunocytochemical study, an alternative strategy was based upon the recognized deficiency of epithelial MHC class I expression within pilosebaceous adnexal units. Langerhans cells and melanocytes were therefore studied within this microenvironment of deficient MHC class I expression, using monomorphic and polymorphic MHC markers. Langerhans cells and melanocytes were demonstrated within pilosebaceous units of scalp skin by immunocytochemistry. Differentiation markers OKT6 (CD1a) and TMH1 defined Langerhans cells and melanocytes, respectively. Monomorphic MHC markers W6/32 and TAL IB5 defined invariant epitopes of HLA class I and II, respectively. Polymorphic MHC class I markers defined the HLA-Bw4 and HLA-Bw6 supertypic determinants. Constitutive MHC class I expression was shown to be deficient on Langerhans cells and melanocytes.

Langerhans cells: structure, function and role in oral pathological conditions

Langerhans cells (LCs) are dendritic bone marrow derived cells situated suprabasally in most stratified squamous epithelia, such as the epidermis and the epithelium of oral mucosa, including the gingiva. Langerhans cells are thought to act as antigen-presenting cells (APC) during induction of immune responses. The exact role of Langerhans cells in the oral mucosa is not fully understood although several investigations suggest that these cells are involved in reactions to antigen challenge under both normal and pathological situations. In this paper the structure, phenotypic markers and derivation of Langerhans cells are reviewed. In view of recent findings, the immunological characteristics and the implications of Langerhans cells in pathologic oral reactions are discussed.

Dynamic nature and function of epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro: a review, with emphasis on human Langerhans cells

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are Birbeck granule-containing bone-marrow-derived cells, which are located mainly in the suprabasal layer of the epidermis. They can be readily identified by their strong expression of CD1a and MHC class II molecules. In addition to these 'classical' properties, an extensive phenotypic profile of normal human LC, summarized in this review, is now available. The powerful capacity of LC to activate T lymphocytes is clearly documented and, to date, LC are recognized as the prominent antigen-presenting cells of the skin immune system. They are generally believed to pick up antigens encountered in the epidermis and to migrate subsequently from the epidermis to the skin-draining lymph nodes. Upon arrival in the paracortex of lymph nodes, the antigen-laden LC transform into interdigitating cells and they present antigen to naive T lymphocytes in a MHC class II-restricted fashion; this results in the generation of antigen-specific immune responses. It has also been demonstrated that transformation of LC into interdigitating cells occurs when LC are cultured in vitro. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that properties of LC, such as phenotype, morphology and the stimulatory potential to activate T lymphocytes, are dependent on the local microenvironment in which the LC reside. The essential role of LC in the induction of contact allergic skin reactions and skin transplant rejection is well established.

Expression and endocytosis of integrin VLA receptors for collagen, fibronectin and laminin by normal human keratinocytes

The Very Late Activation (VLA) antigen family is involved in cell-extracellular matrix interactions and consists of six heterodimeric cell surface receptors with a common beta 1 and a variable alpha subunit. Using a panel of specific antibodies, we showed that human epidermal basal cells expressed VLA-2, VLA-3 and VLA-6 but failed to express VLA-4. Their functional roles were investigated and VLA-2 appeared as a specific receptor for type IV collagen and also as a laminin receptor. VLA-3 appeared as a receptor for fibronectin and laminin and to a lesser extent as a type I collagen receptor. VLA-6 appeared as a specific receptor for laminin. It also appeared that the VLA-alpha subunit specifically mediates the recognition of ligand but the beta 1 subunit is also involved in adhesion and that both subunits have a synergistic influence. Immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed that VLA-2, VLA-3 and VLA-6 were expressed by basal keratinocytes. Endocytosis of VLA-2 and VLA-3 was observed involving coated vesicles and endosomes that are structures characteristic of a receptor-mediated pathway. These findings provide first evidence that normal human basal keratinocytes are able of endocytosis mediated by receptors. Taken together, these results indicate that multiple VLA receptors function in combination to mediate epidermal basal cell adhesion to extracellular matrix.

Identification of specific human epithelial cell integrin receptors as VLA proteins

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix is mediated by a set of heterodimeric cell surface receptors called integrins. We have examined the expression of the very late antigens or alpha beta 1 group of integrins in human epithelial cells. The six known members of this group share a common beta 1 subunit but have distinct alpha subunits that confer selective affinity toward collagen, fibronectin, and laminin essentially. Using a panel of specific antibodies we showed that freshly harvested human epidermal basal cells express VLA-2 and VLA-3 receptors, a low amount of VLA-5, but fail to express VLA-4. The findings reveal that these receptors are characterized by the alpha subunits which associate with a beta subunit different in weight (Mr 110,000 reduced) from that normally seen (Mr 130,000). Moreover, immunoprecipitates of VLA-2 contained additional proteins of Mr 80,000 and Mr 40,000 and immunoprecipitates of VLA-3 contained an additional protein of Mr 90,000. Experiments carried out to investigate the functional roles of these receptors in mediating cell adhesion to extracellular matrix revealed that cell attachment to type IV collagen was completely inhibited by antibodies to VLA-2 alpha chain, that antibody to VLA-3 alpha chain significantly blocked attachment to fibronectin while antibodies to both VLA-2 and VLA-3 partially inhibited attachment to type I collagen. Cell attachment to types I and IV collagen and to fibronectin was not affected by antibodies to VLA-4 and VLA-6. These results show that multiple VLA receptors function in combination to mediate epidermal basal cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. This cooperation function of multiple VLA receptors and their differential expression could be considered to be one of the controlling points in the localization of epithelial basal cells in the epidermis.