The alpha-V integrins are receptors for vitronectin, cytotactin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, laminin, matrix metalloproteinase-2, osteopontin, osteomodulin, prothrombin, thrombospondin and vWF. They recognize the sequence R-G-D in a wide array of ligands. In case of HIV-1 infection, the interaction with extracellular viral Tat protein seems to enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions.
Heterodimer of an alpha and a beta subunit. The alpha subunit is composed of an heavy and a light chain linked by a disulfide bond. Alpha-V associates with either beta-1, beta-3, beta-5, beta-6 or beta-8 subunit. Interacts with HIV-1 Tat. Alpha-V/beta-6 binds to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 protein and acts as a receptor for this virus (By similarity). Alpha-V/beta-6 binds to coxsackievirus A9 and coxsackievirus B1 capsid proteins and acts as a receptor for these viruses. Interacts with RAB25.