Leukocyte adhesion and the anti-inflammatory effects of leukocyte integrin blockade

The past several years have produced a dramatic increase in our understanding of the steps involved in the infiltration of leukocytes into inflamed tissues. At least four major families of adhesion molecules: the selectins, sialomucins, integrins, and Ig supergene family CAMs have been identified; and their interactions are being elucidated. The role of the leukocyte beta 2 and alpha 4 integrins and the selective use of these integrins by leukocytes for migration into inflamed tissues in various organs is presented.