Vascular adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis

Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2007 Nov;27(11):2292-301. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.149179. Epub 2007 Aug 2.

Abstract

Numerous reports document the role of vascular adhesion molecules in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent novel findings in the field of adhesion molecules require an updated summary of current research. In this review, we highlight the role of vascular adhesion molecules including selectins, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule1 (ICAM-1), PECAM-1, JAMs, and connexins in atherosclerosis. The immune system is important in atherosclerosis, and significant efforts are under way to understand the vascular adhesion molecule-dependent mechanisms of immune cell trafficking into healthy and atherosclerosis-prone arterial walls. This review focuses on the role of vascular adhesion molecules in the regulation of immune cell homing during atherosclerosis and discusses future directions that will lead to better understanding of this disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology*
  • Connexins / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Monocytes

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Connexins