ELMERS GLUE, ELSIE AND YOU - CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF ADHESION MOLECULES

An effective response to injury or inflammation requires leukocyte mig ration from the endovascular compartment into areas of inflammation. T his 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 effecti ve therapeutic interventions. Features of several classes of adhesion molecules, including immunoglobulin superfamily, selectins, and integr ins, are reviewed along with how they participate in leukocyte-endothe lial interactions. The role of cell adhesion molecules in a variety of pathological conditions, including graft rejection, reperfusion injur y, and acute lung injury are discussed. In addition, some recent studi es that explore therapeutic uses of adhesion molecules are summarized.