Elmer's glue, Elsie and you: clinical applications of adhesion molecules

An effective response to injury or inflammation requires leukocyte migration from the endovascular compartment into areas of inflammation. This process requires the appropriate expression of adhesion molecules, which mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. A better understanding of the roles of adhesion molecules in normal and pathological conditions might lead to the development of more effective therapeutic interventions. Features of several classes of adhesion molecules, including immunoglobulin superfamily, selectins, and integrins, are reviewed along with how they participate in leukocyte-endothelial interactions. The role of cell adhesion molecules in a variety of pathological conditions, including graft rejection, reperfusion injury, and acute lung injury are discussed. In addition, some recent studies that explore therapeutic uses of adhesion molecules are summarized.