Use of a beta1 integrin-deficient human T cell to identify beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domain sequences critical for integrin function.

T cell activation rapidly and transiently regulates the functional activity of integrin receptors. Stimulation of CD3/T cell receptor, CD2 or CD28, as well as activation with phorbol esters, can induce within minutes an increase in beta1 integrin-mediated adhesion of T cells to fibronectin. In this study, we have produced and utilized a mutant of the Jurkat T cell line, designated A1, that lacks protein and mRNA expression of the beta1 integrin subunit but retains normal levels of CD2, CD3, and CD28 on the cell surface.