Selectin-mediated leukocyte trafficking during the development of autoimmune disease

Tissue inflammation is a finely regulated process that controls wound healing and allows the clearance of damaged cells, pathogens and irritants. However, excessive or uncontrolled inflammation is detrimental, causing tissue damage and leading to autoimmunity. The recruitment of circulating leukocytes to the target tissue is a key stage in the inflammatory process, and is controlled by a multistep cascade in which adhesive receptors known as selectins mediate initial leukocyte tethering and rolling along vascular surfaces, which is required for their subsequent adhesion and arrest. This review considers the role of selectins and their ligands in the recruitment of circulating leukocytes to peripheral tissues during inflammatory responses that lead to the development of autoimmunity, focusing on data from animal models and clinical trials suggesting that selectins may offer valuable therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.