ADHESION MOLECULES IN THE LUNG - AN OVERVIEW

Several distinct cell adhesion molecule families have recently been id entified and found to be important in the inflammatory response and fo r epithelial and endothelial homeostasis. The integrin family of adhes ion molecules functions in both cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions , whereas the cadherins serve as important cell-cell receptors for mai ntenance of epithelial integrity. The leukocyte integrins, selectins, members of the immunoglobulin supergene family, and specific carbohydr ates mediate adhesive interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells. The mechanisms of leukocyte-epithelial adhesion are less well u nderstood, but integrins and members of the immunoglobulin supergene f amily are also involved. The role of these molecules in pulmonary stru cture and inflammation is currently being actively explored. Further k nowledge of these interactions, and the interplay of adhesion molecule s, cytokines, and chemoattractants is likely to lead to novel therapeu tic modalities in inflammatory diseases of the airway and lung parench yma. In this overview, the families of adhesion molecules will be summ arized, and their relevance for pulmonary structure and inflammation w ill be discussed.