CD49f, also known as integrin α6 subunit, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein encoded by the ITGA6 gene. It belongs to the α-subfamily of integrins and can form heterodimers with β1 （CD29） or β4 （CD104） subunits to create functional receptors such as α6β1 or α6β4. These receptors play crucial roles in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. CD49f is highly expressed in various cell types, including T cells, monocytes, platelets, epithelial cells, and certain stem cells. In cancer biology, CD49f has been identified as a marker for tumor-initiating cells （TICs） in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）, where it is associated with cell stemness, immune evasion, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Additionally, CD49f has been used as a marker for human astrocytes and has shown potential in studying neurodegenerative diseases.