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A novel endothelial cell molecule mediating lymphocyte binding in humans
1National Public Health Institute, Turku, Finland.
Behring Institute Mitteilungen
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Researchers discovered a new molecule, vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), crucial for lymphocyte migration. This protein mediates lymphocyte binding to endothelial cells, aiding in understanding tissue-specific homing in health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte extravasation is vital for immune responses and relies on leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions.
- Existing adhesion molecules do not fully explain in vivo leukocyte homing phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel molecules involved in leukocyte migration.
- To characterize a newly discovered endothelial cell molecule, vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1).
Main Methods:
- Generation of monoclonal antibodies against human endothelial cells.
- Identification and characterization of VAP-1 based on expression, molecular mass, function, and N-terminal sequence.
Main Results:
- A novel endothelial cell molecule, vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), was identified.
- VAP-1 exhibits unique expression patterns, molecular properties, and functional characteristics.
- VAP-1 mediates lymphocyte binding to endothelium in peripheral lymph nodes, tonsils, and inflamed synovium.
Conclusions:
- VAP-1 plays a significant role in lymphocyte migration and tissue-specific homing.
- Understanding VAP-1 is crucial for dissecting physiologic and pathologic lymphocyte homing mechanisms.
- VAP-1 represents a potential target for modulating immune cell trafficking.