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 structures capable of transmitting signals for cell growth and differentiation. They are the central determinators of local immune responses, and they allow an adjustment of the recirculating immunocompetent cells to their respective local microenvironments. Given that receptor/ligand interactions are characteristic of particular in vivo sites, knowledge of structural and functional features of adhesion receptors can provide new prospects for a more targeted clinical immune intervention.
Meuer
S C
SC
German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg.
Schraven
B
B
Samstag
Y
Y
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016023:Integrins / Q000276:immunology; D008024:Ligands; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000276:immunology*
D016023:Integrins; D008024:Ligands