ITGA3 encodes integrin subunit alpha 3, which forms heterodimeric transmembrane receptors crucial for cell adhesion, migration, and signaling pathways. The protein primarily functions by forming the α3β1 integrin complex with ITGB1, serving as a receptor for extracellular matrix proteins including laminin and fibronectin 12. ITGA3 plays critical roles in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plasticity, with ZIP4-mediated upregulation promoting cancer metastasis through the ZEB1/YAP1-ITGA3 signaling axis 3. The protein also mediates immune interactions, as α3β1 integrin serves as a sialylated glycoprotein ligand for Siglec-10 on tumor-associated macrophages, suppressing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and promoting immune evasion in pancreatic cancer 2. Additionally, ITGA3 participates in lung cell senescence through THBS1-(ITGA3+ITGB1) signaling during SARS-CoV-2 infection 4. Clinically, ITGA3 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis across multiple cancer types including pancreatic, hepatocellular, and oral squamous cell carcinomas 56. The protein's association with immune infiltration patterns and checkpoint expression suggests potential as both a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy 76.