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The vascular E-selectin binds to the leukocyte integrins CD11/CD18
P Kotovuori1, E Tontti, R Pigott
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Leukocyte adhesion involves integrins, ICAMs, and selectins. This study reveals E-selectin binds sialyl Lex on leukocyte integrins, integrating these adhesion molecule families into a cohesive network.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Leukocyte adhesion is crucial for immune responses.
- Key molecular families involved include leukocyte integrins (CD11/CD18), intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), and selectins (L-, E-, P-).
- ICAMs are known ligands for CD11/CD18 integrins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the specific binding interactions between different leukocyte adhesion molecule families.
- To investigate the role of carbohydrate epitopes in mediating leukocyte adhesion.
- To demonstrate how these molecules form an integrated adhesion network.
Main Methods:
- Investigated molecular interactions between adhesion proteins.
- Utilized biochemical assays to identify specific binding partners.
- Focused on carbohydrate-epitope recognition in cell adhesion.
Main Results:
- E-selectin was shown to specifically bind to sialyl Lex carbohydrate epitopes.
- These epitopes are present on leukocyte integrins.
- This interaction integrates E-selectin with the integrin-ICAM pathway.
Conclusions:
- The findings reveal a novel binding interaction between E-selectin and leukocyte integrins via sialyl Lex.
- This interaction bridges the selectin and integrin-mediated adhesion pathways.
- Leukocyte adhesion molecules form a functionally integrated network, not just independent systems.
Abstract:
Leukocyte adhesion involves at least three molecular families of adhesion proteins: the leukocyte integrins CD11/CD18, the intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) and the carbohydrate-binding L-, E- and P-selectins. The intercellular adhesion molecules are well-known ligands for the CD11/CD18 integrins. We now show that E-selectin specifically binds to the sialyl Lex carbohydrate epitopes of leukocyte integrins. Thus, the different families of leukocyte adhesion molecules form an integrated adhesion network.