CD49b, a member of the integrin family of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules, is the integrin alpha2 chain. CD49b associates noncovalently with CD29, the integrin beta1 subunit, to form the heterodimer integrin a2b1 that binds laminin and collagen. It is expressed on B and T lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, platelets, fibroblasts and long-term cultured T cells. CD49b/CD29 mediates the Mg++- dependent adhesion of platelets to collagen. It may also be utilized by fibroblasts for the reorganization of the collagen matrix during would healing.