The role of cellular and extracellular matrix adhesion proteins in organ transplantation

Cell Adhes Commun. 1994 Jul;2(3):249-55. doi: 10.3109/15419069409004444.

Abstract

The specific adhesion of cells to other cells or to particular tissue microenvironments is a basic function of cell migration and recognition, and underlines many biologic processes including embryogenesis, repair and immunity. Leukocytes express an array of surface receptors broadly known as "accessory adhesion molecules." which mediate most cell-cell interactions, direct lymphocyte traffic between anatomical compartments, and facilitate cellular adhesion to the inflammation or alloantigenic sites (Springer 1990). In addition, adhesion molecules are involved in the process of antigen recognition, and may costimulate cell activation and transformation. These proteins are thought to affect the very early antigen independent events between host leukocytes and vascular endothelium. Because of these activities, the subject of adhesion molecules is gaining interest in the field of organ transplantation, in both conceptualization and development of novel therapeutic strategies (de Sousa et al. 1991, Kupiec-Weglinski et al. 1993a, Heemann et al. 1993).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Transplantation Immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins