Authors: Bock, Daniel; Aydt, Ewald M.; Kuebler, Wolfgang M.; Wolff, Gerhard

Source: Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews, Volume 2, Number 3, August 2006 , pp. 339-354(16)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The selectin family of cell adhesion molecules (selectins) is comprised of three structurally related calciumdependent carbohydrate binding proteins, E-, P-, and L-selectin. Located on the surface of endothelial cells (E- and Pselectin), platelets (P-selectin) and of leucocytes (L-selectin), selectins are of vital importance for leukocyte recruitment and accumulation in the vasculature. Based on the unique architecture of the microvasculature of the lung, this task is achieved by two different types of selectin mediated functions (i) tethering and rolling of leukocytes on the pre- and post capillary pulmonary endothelium and in bronchial venules which are mediated by E-, P-, and L-selectin as well as (ii) retention of leukocytes in the pulmonary capillaries by L-selectin. Recent findings in preclinical and clinical research suggest a significant involvement of selectins in both acute and chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), asthma bronchiale (Asthma), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This review summarizes the current progress in understanding the role of selectins during inflammation in the lung and its potential impact for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Inflammation; lung diseases; selectins; antagonists and inhibitors

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Office of Executive Vice President Research & Development, Revotar Biopharmaceuticals AG, Neuendorfstr. 24a, D-16761 Hennigsdorf, Germany.

Publication date: 2006-08-01

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• Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews publishes frontier reviews on all the latest advances on respiratory diseases and its related areas e.g. pharmacology, pathogenesis, clinical care, and therapy. The journal's aim is to publish the highest quality review articles dedicated to clinical research in the field. The journal is essential reading for all researchers and clinicians in respiratory medicine.

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