CD11c/Integrin alpha X
CD11c, the integrin alpha X chain encoded by ITGAX, pairs with CD18 to form complement receptor 4, a beta 2 integrin specialized for phagocytosis of iC3b-opsonized particles and adhesion to ligands such as fibrinogen and ICAM-1. Although historically considered a myeloid marker, CD11c is displayed on plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages and a fraction of NK cells, and it is a standard flow-cytometry gate for dendritic cell identification. Within the NK cell compartment, CD11c expression characterizes highly cytotoxic subsets. Autoantibodies and genetic association studies have additionally linked CD11c-bearing leukocytes to inflammatory and autoimmune pathology.
