Adhesion molecules as therapeutic targets.
This article focuses on the importance of cell-adhesion molecules in the process of allergic inflammation. After reviewing the contribution of different families of adhesion molecules to the cellular recruitment cascade, phenotypic characteristics of leukocyte subtypes are discussed to illustrate how expression of differing patterns of adhesion molecules and their counterligands within tissues influence the type of inflammatory response that occurs. The involvement of adhesion molecules in allergic inflammation in animal models and human studies is described. Examples of specific adhesion-molecule antagonists are provided, and results of their use in human studies of allergic and other inflammatory conditions are discussed.
Bochner
Bruce S
BS
Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B71, Baltimore, MD 21224-6801, USA. bbochner@jhmi.edu
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement; D016207:Cytokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D016207:Cytokines; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense