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A tissue-specific endothelial cell molecule involved in lymphocyte homing
P R Streeter1, E L Berg, B T Rouse
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305.
Nature
|January 7, 1988
Summary
A newly discovered vascular addressin on endothelial cells guides lymphocytes to mucosal tissues. This molecule acts as a specific address signal, directing circulating lymphocytes to the correct lymphoid tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lymphocyte homing is crucial for immune surveillance and response.
- Specific molecular interactions mediate lymphocyte trafficking to various tissues.
- Mucosal organs require specialized mechanisms for immune cell recruitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the molecular mechanisms governing lymphocyte homing to mucosal lymphoid tissues.
- To characterize a novel endothelial cell surface molecule involved in lymphocyte targeting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of endothelial cell surface molecules in mucosal organs.
- Investigation of molecule function in lymphocyte homing assays.
- Characterization of the molecular interactions between the addressin and lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- A unique endothelial cell surface molecule, termed 'vascular addressin', was identified.
- This vascular addressin is selectively expressed in mucosal organs.
- The molecule functions as a tissue-specific address signal for circulating lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Vascular addressins are key regulators of lymphocyte homing to mucosal immune sites.
- Targeting vascular addressins could offer new strategies for modulating mucosal immunity.