MOLECULAR MECHANISMS MEDIATING LYMPHOCYTE RECIRCULATION, INFLAMMATION, AND METASTASIS FORMATION

A multitude of glycoproteins expressed in cellular membranes have been identified by monoclonal antibodies. Besides mediating transient cell /cell contacts, these molecules unequivocally function as receptor str uctures capable of transmitting signals for cell growth and differenti ation. They are the central determinators of local immune responses, a nd they allow an adjustment of the recirculating immunocompetent cells to their respective local microenvironments. Given that receptor/liga nd interactions are characteristic of particular in vivo sites, knowle dge of structural and functional features of adhesion receptors can pr ovide new prospects for a more targeted clinical immune intervention.