GPIIb (CD41) integrin is expressed on mast cells and influences their adhesion properties

The results in this study demonstrate that GPIIb is expressed in human and murine mast cells. A function for GPIIb on mast cells is suggested by the altered adhesion of gbIIb−/− BMMC to fibronectin- and vitronectin-coated surfaces. Moreover, comparison of mast cells from the peritoneal cavity of wild type and gbIIb−/− mice indicates that GPIIb could influence the in vivo differentiation or homing of tissue mast cells.