Endothelial cell-surface adhesion molecules (ECAMs) (ECAMs)

Endothelial cell-surface adhesion molecules (ECAMs) represent a functional class of transmembrane proteins expressed on the vascular endothelium that facilitate the recruitment and extravasation of circulating blood cells, primarily leukocytes and platelets, into underlying tissues [1.1.1, 1.2.1]. This group includes several distinct families: the immunoglobulin superfamily (e.g., ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and PECAM-1), the selectin family (E-selectin and P-selectin), and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) [1.3.1, 1.3.3]. While some members are constitutively expressed at low levels, their expression is significantly upregulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), marking the transition from a quiescent to an activated endothelial state [1.1.2, 1.2.5]. These molecules are essential for the multi-step adhesion cascade, which involves leukocyte rolling (mediated by selectins), firm adhesion (mediated by ICAMs and VCAMs), and transendothelial migration (mediated by PECAM-1 and JAMs) [1.3.1, 1.3.2]. Pathological overexpression of ECAMs is a key driver in chronic inflammatory diseases, atherosclerosis, and the hematogenous metastasis of cancer cells [1.2.1, 1.2.4]. Consequently, they are major therapeutic targets; for example, crizanlizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting P-selectin used to treat sickle cell disease, and uproleselan is an E-selectin antagonist under investigation for leukemia [1.2.1, 1.3.2]. Soluble forms of these molecules (e.g., sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) are frequently used as clinical biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation [1.3.2, 1.3.4].

Other names

Endothelial cell surface adhesion moleculesEndothelial adhesion moleculesVascular endothelial cell surface adhesion moleculesEndothelial cell-surface adhesion moleculesECAMsEndothelial cell adhesion molecules

Inhibition of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions by blocking the binding of selectins or immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules to their respective ligands on leukocytes, thereby preventing rolling, adhesion, and transmigration.