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Integrin αvβ6 is a heterodimeric transmembrane receptor composed of αv and β6 subunits, belonging to the integrin family. Its extracellular domain mediates interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix by recognizing ligands containing the RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) sequence. While typically expressed at low levels in epithelial cells, it is significantly upregulated during tissue injury, fibrosis, inflammation, and malignant tumorigenesis, thereby emerging as a potential therapeutic target for various diseases. The primary ligands for this integrin include extracellular matrix proteins—such as fibronectin and laminin—as well as latent forms of TGF-β. The latter is activated into its biologically active form upon binding to αvβ6, thereby driving the processes of fibrosis and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, αvβ6 also serves as an entry receptor for various pathogens, such as the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).

By activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, αvβ6 promotes fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, thereby contributing to the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and hepatic fibrosis. Concurrently, its mediated activation of the FAK/Src and MAPK pathways enhances tumor cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); in pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, this activity is closely associated with metastasis and poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, αvβ6 can inhibit apoptosis and promote tumor cell survival via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, while also facilitating tumor immune evasion through TGF-β-dependent mechanisms that suppress T-cell function. High-level expression of αvβ6 is implicated in a wide range of pathological processes, including fibrotic diseases (e.g., IPF, hepatic fibrosis), malignant tumors (e.g., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer), and inflammatory disorders (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis).

The HEK293 Human Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell Model—effectively simulates the signal transduction process of αvβ6 *in vivo*. The underlying principle is illustrated in the figure below.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the HEK293 Human Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell  Model

Figure 2. Recombinant Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell stably expressing ITGAV、ITGB6.

Figure 3. Dose Response of Recombinant Human Latent TGFβ1 in Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell (C17).

Figure 4. Inhibition of Human Latent TGFβ1-induced Reporter Activity by Integrin avβ6 Blocking Antibody in Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell(C17). 

Figure 5. Blocking of Human Latent TGF-β1 induced Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell(C17) Activity by Integrin avβ6 Blocking Ab with GARP/Latent TGF-β1 Target Cell(C5).

Figure 6.Blocking of Human Latent TGF-β1 induced Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell(C17) Activity by GARP/TGF-β1 Blocking Ab with GARP/Latent TGF-β1 Target Cell(C5).

Cell Resuscitation
1)Rapidly thaw the frozen cells in a 37 °C water bath for approximately 60 seconds. Once thawed (which may take slightly less or more than 60 seconds), immediately transfer the cell suspension from the cryovial into a 15 mL centrifuge tube containing 10 mL of pre-warmed  HEK293 Human Integrin avβ6 Effector Reporter Cell complete culture medium.
2)Centrifuge cells at 1000 rpm for 5 min to remove medium, then resuspend cells in 5 mL of pre-warmed complete medium.
3)Transfer the cell suspension into a T25 culture flask and incubate at 37 °C with 5% CO₂.
4)After approximately 24–36 hours, replace the medium or passage the cells to remove non-adherent dead cells.

Subculturing procedure
1)When the cell density reaches the appropriate confluency for passaging, wash the cells with PBS, then add 1 mL trypsin to detach the cells. When more than 80% of the cells detach upon gently tapping the culture flask, add complete culture medium to terminate digestion. Gently pipette to obtain a single-cell suspension, transfer to a 15 mL centrifuge tube, and centrifuge at 1000 rpm for 5 minutes.

2)Discard supernatant after centrifugation. Resuspend cells in fresh medium to a single-cell suspension and transfer to a new culture flask for continued growth.

Cell Freezing
After trypsinization and centrifugation of cells from each T75 flask or 10 cm culture dish, discard the supernatant. Add 2 mL of cryopreservation medium (90% FBS + 10% DMSO), gently resuspend thoroughly, and aliquot into two cryovials. Immediately place the cryovials into a controlled-rate freezing container (e.g., Nalgene 5100-0001), fill with isopropanol to the indicated level, and store at −80 °C. After 24 hours, transfer the cryovials to liquid nitrogen for long-term storage.