JAML mediates monocyte and CD8 T cell migration across the brain endothelium

Leukocyte transmigration into the central nervous system promotes multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, yet ambiguity remains regarding the mechanisms controlling the migration of distinct immune cell subsets. Using in vitro, ex vivo and postmortem human materials, we identified a significant upregulation of junctional adhesion molecule-like expression at the blood-brain barrier, monocytes, and CD8 T cells of multiple sclerosis patients. We also detected junctional adhesion molecule-like(+) trans-migratory cups when monocytes/CD8 T cells adhered to the blood-brain barrier, however, their migratory capacity was significantly compromised when junctional adhesion molecule-like was blocked. These findings highlight a novel role for junctional adhesion molecule-like in leukocyte transmigration and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.