ADHESION MOLECULES IN RENAL DISEASES

Different adhesion molecules are implicated in the pathogenesis in glo merulonephritis. Leukocyte adhesion molecules play a critical role in causing renal damage in a variety of glomerulonephritic conditions. In order to understand the mechanisms by which distinct adhesion molecul es are involved in human glomerulonephritis, it is necessary to have a n overview of their function in maintenance of tissue architecture, mo rphogenesis, immunosurveillance, inflammation, tumor growth, etc. Thus , this review addresses the role of cadherins, selectins, integrins, a nd members of the immunoglobulin supergene family in developing, norma l, and diseased kidney with special attention to glomerulonephritis an d possible new therapeutic approaches.