LEUKOCYTE ADHESION MOLECULES Meaning and
Definition
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Leukocyte adhesion molecules, also known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), are a group of proteins that are present on the surface of white blood cells, known as leukocytes. These molecules play a crucial role in the immune response by enabling leukocytes to adhere to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels.
Leukocyte adhesion molecules are involved in three main processes: rolling, adhesion, and transmigration. During the rolling process, CAMs allow leukocytes to adhere loosely to the endothelial cells, which facilitates the slowing down of the leukocytes as they move along the vessel wall. This is followed by adhesion, where the leukocytes firmly attach to the endothelial cells and become stationary, preparing for transmigration. Transmigration is the process by which leukocytes pass through the endothelial layer and enter into the inflamed tissues. Through these processes, CAMs mediate the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of infection or injury, which is essential for the immune response to occur.
There are various types of leukocyte adhesion molecules, including selectins, integrins, and immunoglobulin superfamily molecules. Selectins are responsible for initiating the rolling process, while integrins mediate the firm adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial cells. Immunoglobulin superfamily molecules are involved in both rolling and adhesion.
Understanding the function and regulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules is essential for the development of therapies targeting inflammatory diseases, as dysregulation of CAMs can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Common Misspellings for LEUKOCYTE ADHESION MOLECULES
- keukocyte adhesion molecules
- peukocyte adhesion molecules
- oeukocyte adhesion molecules
- lwukocyte adhesion molecules
- lsukocyte adhesion molecules
- ldukocyte adhesion molecules
- lrukocyte adhesion molecules
- l4ukocyte adhesion molecules
- l3ukocyte adhesion molecules
- leykocyte adhesion molecules
- lehkocyte adhesion molecules
- lejkocyte adhesion molecules
- leikocyte adhesion molecules
- le8kocyte adhesion molecules
- le7kocyte adhesion molecules
- leujocyte adhesion molecules
- leumocyte adhesion molecules
- leulocyte adhesion molecules
- leuoocyte adhesion molecules
- leuiocyte adhesion molecules
