A hemocyte-specific integrin required for hemocytic encapsulation in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Upon encountering an object recognized as foreign, insect hemocytes aggregate in multiple layers on the surfaces of the object in a process known as encapsulation. For encapsulation to occur, hemocytes must switch from their usual nonadherent state to an adherent state, presumably by regulating the activity of adhesion proteins. Although detailed knowledge exists regarding the adhesion receptors for cells of the mammalian immune system, comparable information on adhesion molecules of insect hemocytes and their function in immune responses is extremely limited.