Role of extracellular matrix proteins in organ transplantation.
Recent data indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can regulate the process of T cell activation. Lymphocytes express an array of surface integrin and non-integrin receptors (adhesion molecules) mediating those phenomena. Since ECM proteins accumulate in situ during allograft rejection, it is likely that such T cell: ECM interactions are relevant in the immunopathology of rejection. Adhesion molecules are also thought to affect the very early events between host leukocytes and vascular endothelium. Therefore, immunomodulation of T cell interactions with the ECM proteins and endothelium may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies in clinical organ transplantation.
Kupiec-Weglinski
J W
JW
Surgical Research Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Górski
A
A
D000818:Animals; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins