Monocyte adherence to human vascular endothelium

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Acute inflammation necessitates monocyte recruitment to inflamed tissues.
• Monocyte extravasation involves binding to and migrating across the endothelium.
• Cytokines and chemoattractants regulate monocyte margination and extravasation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.
• To summarize the process of monocyte transendothelial migration.
• To highlight the role of specific adhesion molecules in monocyte-endothelial interactions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and evidence.
• Detailed discussion of cellular interactions and molecular contributions.
• Emphasis on adhesion molecules including integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily, and selectins.

Main Results:

• Monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration are sequential events.
• Specific adhesion molecules (beta 1- and beta 2-integrins, immunoglobulin superfamily, selectins) are critical.
• The sequence of monocyte attachment, migration over, and passage through the endothelium is elucidated.

Conclusions:

• Understanding monocyte-endothelial cell interactions is key to inflammation.
• Adhesion molecules play a pivotal, sequential role in monocyte extravasation.
• This review provides a detailed overview of the molecular underpinnings of monocyte recruitment.