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Updated: May 22, 2026

Real-time Imaging of Endothelial Cell-cell Junctions During Neutrophil Transmigration Under Physiological Flow
Published on: August 14, 2014
Endothelial membrane reorganization during leukocyte extravasation
Natalia Reglero-Real1, Beatriz Marcos-Ramiro, Jaime Millán
1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Nicolás Cabrera 1, Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
Leukocyte extravasation involves endothelial cell surface remodeling, including nanodomain formation and membrane extensions. Understanding these leukocyte-induced changes is key to controlling immune cell trafficking in inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte trafficking across the endothelial barrier is crucial for innate immunity and inflammatory responses.
- Endothelial cell surface reorganization during leukocyte adhesion and diapedesis is complex and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on leukocyte-mediated alterations in endothelial membrane dynamics.
- To elucidate the role of these dynamic changes in promoting leukocyte extravasation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.
- Analysis of mechanisms of endothelial membrane remodeling during leukocyte transmigration.
Main Results:
- Leukocyte adhesion triggers the formation of protein- and lipid-based nanodomains on the endothelial apical surface.
- Endothelial cells extend microvilli-derived membrane structures to embrace adhered leukocytes.
- Vesicle-trafficking pathways are essential for efficient leukocyte diapedesis.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated endothelial membrane remodeling guides leukocytes through the vessel wall under mechanical and inflammatory stress.
- Understanding endothelial cell responses to immune cell adhesion can lead to new therapies for inflammatory diseases.
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