The monoclonal antibody BV7 recognizes human ß1-integrin. Beta-1 integrin is a ubiquitouslyexpressed ~89 kDa type I transmembrane protein functioning as receptor when heterodimerized withone 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 compositionof the heterodimer: either collagen, fibronectin, VCAM1, laminin, cytotactin, osteopontin, epiligrin,thrombospondin and CSPG4 can bind to the integrin-complex. Beta-1 integrins recognize thesequence R-G-D in a wide array of ligands. Isoform beta-1B interferes with isoform beta-1A resultingin a dominant negative effect on cell adhesion and migration (in vitro). In case of HIV-1 infection, theinteraction with extracellular viral Tat protein seems to enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi"s sarcomalesions. 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 inpromoting endothelial cell motility and angiogenesis. Furthermore, β1-integrin plays a mechanisticadhesive 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 structuralrearrangements and exposure of ligand binding sites. β1-integrin modulation is of importance in tissuerepair and regeneration. In cultured primary hippocampal neurons, astrocytes and tissues, cell surfaceexpression of amyloid beta fibrils (key hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease) selectively co-localized withβ1-integrin. Preincubation of cells with antibodies against β1-integrin, as well as α1-integrin, greatlyenhanced 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 theβ1-subunit. Monoclonal antibody BV7 is active on HT-29 colon carcinoma cells and on HCCP-2998tumor cells. 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.