The same endothelial receptor controls lymphocyte traffic both in vascular and lymphatic vessels.
The mechanisms controlling the exit of lymphocytes from tissues via lymphatics are practically unknown. We have now identified a 270-300-kDa molecule designated common lymphatic endothelial and vascular endothelial receptor-1 (CLEVER-1) on human lymphatic endothelium and high endothelial venules. We show that it mediates binding of lymphocytes both to high endothelial venules and to lymphatic vessels. Moreover, blocking of the function of CLEVER-1 results in significant reduction of lymphocyte traffic in vivo. Notably, CLEVER-1 is also an inducible vascular adhesion molecule for other classes of leukocytes at sites of inflammation in peripheral tissues. These findings suggest that CLEVER-1 is involved in regulation of lymphocyte recirculation and migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation and is a potential new target to control inflammation.
Irjala
Heikki
H
MediCity Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6A, 20520 Turku, Finland.
Elima
Kati
K
Johansson
Eva-Liz
EL
Merinen
Marika
M
Kontula
Keiju
K
Alanen
Kalle
K
Grenman
Reidar
R
Salmi
Marko
M
Jalkanen
Sirpa
S
D000818:Animals; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002465:Cell Movement; D004729:Endothelium, Lymphatic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011817:Rabbits
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins