Leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium

Leukocyte adhesion and emigration are controlled by soluble mediators and effected by various adhesion molecules. Currently, three major families of adhesion receptors are known to contribute to this process: integrins, vascular selectins, and immunoglobulin-like receptors. These adhesion systems are not additive and mutually replaceable, but appear to constitute a cascade of events. Leukocyte margination is followed by rolling, firm adhesion, emigration, and migration in the interstitial space. In addition, biomechanical parameters like leukocyte deformability and shear stress exerted by the flowing blood modulate the efficacy of adhesive interaction. This article briefly reviews the molecular nature, biologic regulation, and physiologic function of pertinent adhesion receptors.