Adhesion to biological tissues

Adhesion to biological tissues refers to the complex physiological process where cells attach to one another or to the extracellular matrix, a mechanism primarily mediated by specialized proteins known as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) (NCBI: NBK26830). These molecules, including integrins, selectins, cadherins, and the immunoglobulin superfamily, are essential for maintaining tissue architecture, coordinating immune responses, and facilitating cellular communication. In disease states, adhesion processes are often dysregulated; for example, metastatic cancer cells co-opt adhesion receptors to migrate and colonize distant organs, and chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by excessive leukocyte recruitment to tissues (PubMed: 30103529). While the term describes a broad biological phenomenon rather than a single molecular entity, specific components of the adhesion machinery serve as high-value therapeutic targets. Drugs such as vedolizumab and natalizumab target specific integrins to treat inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis by blocking the infiltration of immune cells into affected tissues. Consequently, modulating the molecules responsible for biological adhesion is a critical strategy in treating inflammation, oncology, and cardiovascular disorders.

Other names

Biological adhesionCell adhesionTissue attachmentCell-matrix adhesion

Inhibition of specific cell adhesion molecules (such as integrins, selectins, or cadherins) to prevent ligand binding and subsequent cell-cell or cell-matrix attachment.