A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a novel subunit .alpha.11 in association with a subunit .beta. is described. The integrin or the subunit .alpha.11 can be used as marker or target of all types of cells. The integrin or subunit .alpha.11 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.