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[Adhesion molecules and leukocyte functions]
1Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo.
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Leukocyte adhesion is crucial for fighting infections. Two diseases highlight that leukocyte movement requires cell adhesion via both beta 2-integrins and selectins.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Leukocyte migration to infection sites is vital for inflammatory responses.
- Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) involves impaired leukocyte adhesion and recurrent infections.
- LAD pathogenesis is linked to deficient beta 2-integrin expression on leukocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying leukocyte adhesion and migration.
- To differentiate between LAD and a newly identified disorder with similar clinical features.
- To elucidate the roles of beta 2-integrin and selectin ligands in leukocyte locomotion.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case studies of patients with LAD and a novel adhesion disorder.
- Analysis of leukocyte cell-surface adhesion molecule expression (beta 2-integrin).
- Assessment of cell-surface carbohydrate components (sialyl Lewis antigens) and selectin ligand function.
Main Results:
- LAD patients exhibit deficient beta 2-integrin expression, leading to impaired leukocyte adhesion and function.
- A new disorder presents similar symptoms but with normal beta 2-integrin expression.
- This new disorder is characterized by a lack of sialyl Lewis antigens, the ligands for selectins.
Conclusions:
- Leukocyte locomotion critically depends on cell-to-cell adhesion.
- Both beta 2-integrin-mediated adhesion and selectin-ligand interactions are essential for leukocyte migration.
- Understanding these adhesion pathways is key to addressing recurrent bacterial infections and immune disorders.