Abstract: A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a novel subunit ?10 in association with a subunit ? is described. The ?10 integrin may be purified from bovine chondrocytes on a collagen-type-II affinity column. The integrin or the subunit of ?10 can be used as a marker or target of all types of cells, e.g. of chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts. The integrin or the subunit ?10 thereof can be used as a marker or target in different physiological or therapeutic methods. They can also be used as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a novel subunit ?10 in association with a subunit ? is described. The ?10 integrin may be purified from bovine chondrocytes on a collagen-type-II affinity column. The integrin or the subunit ?10 can be used as marker or target of all types of cells, e.g. of chondrocytes, osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The integrin or subunit ?10 thereof can be used as marker or target in different physiological or therapeutic methods. They can also be used as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: An antigen indicative of the presence of atherosclerotic plaque is provided. The antigen is used in a method for slowing or arresting progression and/or effecting regression of atherosclerotic plaque in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a binding agent having binding sites specific for said antigen of said mammal. Also included are methods for diagnosing a mammal who has a risk of developing atherosclerosis, comprising determining the amount of said antigen. Moreover, uses of said antigen for detection and diagnosing atherosclerosis is provided.

Abstract: A marker for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is provided, comprising an integrin alpha 10 chain and/or an integrin alpha 11 chain expressed on the cell surface of or intracellular in a MSC. The marker is used in methods for identification of mammalian MSC and in methods for isolation of MSC. Also included are isolated cellular populations of mammalian MSC and a cellular composition comprising the latter. Moreover, uses of said marker for isolation, modulation and identification mammalian MSC are provided.