{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Integrin, alpha E (ITGAE), also known as CD103, is an integrin protein that in humans is encoded by the ITGAE gene. CD103 binds integrin beta 7 (β7– ITGB7) to form the complete heterodimeric integrin molecule αEβ7. CD103 is expressed widely on intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) T cells (both α β T cells and γ δ T cells) and on some peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs). It has also been reported on lamina propria T cells. A subset of dendritic cells in the gut mucosa and in mesenteric lymph nodes also expresses this marker and is known as CD103 DCs. The chief ligand for αEβ7 is E-cadherin, an adhesion molecule found on epithelial cells. CD103 has been found in mononuclear cells in the interfollicular area of lymph nodes and in intraepithelial cells in the overlying mucosa located primarily toward the basal layer of the tonsil. According to literature, CD103 is expressed in most cases of hairy cell leukemia."}]}]}