The monoclonal antibody BV7 recognizes human ß1-integrin. Beta-1 integrin is a ubiquitously expressed ~89 kDa type I transmembrane protein functioning as receptor when heterodimerized with one alpha subunit. It belongs to the integrin beta chain family consisting of four different genes, encoding multiple β-integrins via alternative splicing. Ligand-recognition depends on the composition of the heterodimer: either collagen, fibronectin, VCAM1, laminin, cytotactin, osteopontin, epiligrin, thrombospondin and CSPG4 can bind to the integrin-complex. Beta-1 integrins recognize the sequence R-G-D in a wide array of ligands. Isoform beta-1B interferes with isoform beta-1A resulting in a dominant negative effect on cell adhesion and migration (in vitro). In case of HIV-1 infection, the interaction with extracellular viral Tat protein seems to enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi"s sarcoma lesions. When associated with α7, β1-integrin regulates cell adhesion and laminin matrix deposition. BV7 is active on HT-29 colon carcinoma cells and on HCCP-2998 tumor cells. It is involved in promoting endothelial cell motility and angiogenesis. Furthermore, β1-integrin plays a mechanistic adhesive role during telophase, and is required for the successful completion of cytokinesis.Upon activation integrins in general, including β1-integrin, are known to exhibit global structural rearrangements and exposure of ligand binding sites. β1-integrin modulation is of importance in tissue repair and regeneration. In cultured primary hippocampal neurons, astrocytes and tissues, cell surface expression of amyloid beta fibrils (key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease) selectively co-localized with β1-integrin. Preincubation of cells with antibodies against β1-integrin, as well as α1-integrin, greatly enhanced amyloid beta-induced apoptosis, indicating a protective role for integrins in apoptosis.The monoclonal antibody BV7 does not recognize α5β1 complex and not the cytoplasmic part of the β1-subunit. BV7 binds to several other tumor cells (MG3 osteosarcoma, A375 melanoma, MHCC-1410 and Lovo colon carcinoma) but does not affect adhesion to endothelial cells.