Endothelial cell adhesion molecule (null)

Endothelial cell adhesion molecules are a heterogeneous group of cell-surface proteins primarily expressed on endothelial cells lining blood vessels. These include immunoglobulin superfamily members (e.g., ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM-1), selectins (E-selectin, P-selectin), and cadherins (VE-cadherin), among others[2][4][5][7]. Their main roles are to regulate cell-cell interactions necessary for vascular integrity, control the trafficking of leukocytes during immune surveillance and inflammation, and modulate vascular permeability. Dysregulation or over-expression of these molecules is implicated in diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer metastasis, and chronic inflammatory conditions. They are attractive therapeutic targets for modulating immune cell recruitment and vascular inflammation, and several drugs and experimental therapeutics target these molecules for the treatment of autoimmune, cardiovascular, and cancer-related pathologies[5][8][9].

Other names

Endothelial adhesion moleculesCAMsendothelial CAMs

Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion (blocking integrin-VCAM/ICAM interactions). Disruption of endothelial barrier (e.g., anti-VE-cadherin antibodies). Reduction of inflammation by antagonizing selectin-mediated rolling or adhesion of leukocytes.