The αvβ6 integrin plays a role in compromised epidermal wound healing

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe αvβ6 integrin is an exclusively epithelial integrin that is highly expressed during fetal development. In adult tissue, αvβ6 integrin is expressed during inflammation, carcinogenesis, and in wound healing. We previously reported that αvβ6 integrin is highly expressed in poorly healing human wounds and its over‐expression is associated with chronic wounds in a mouse model. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of αvβ6 integrin in compromised wound healing induced by hydrocortisone treatment or aging by using young and old mice deficient in or overexpressing the β6 integrin subunit in the epidermis. Untreated aged β6 integrin‐deficient (β6−/−) animals showed a significant delay in wound healing when compared to their age‐matched controls or younger β6−/− mice. The most significant delay was observed at the stages where granulation tissue deposition was occurring. Hydrocortisone treatment significantly delayed wound healing in wild‐type and β6 integrin‐deficient mice in comparison with the untreated controls. However, hydrocortisone treatment in β6 integrin overexpressing animals did not cause a significant delay in wound healing. The results of this study suggest that αvβ6 integrin plays an important role in wound healing in animals compromised by either age or stress mimicked by hydrocortisone.