Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) - Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) interaction (ICAM-1/LFA-1)

The interaction between Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen 1 (LFA-1) is a fundamental process in the immune system, mediating the adhesion of leukocytes to other cells (UniProt P05362, P20701). ICAM-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and endothelial cells, while LFA-1 is an integrin receptor (CD11a/CD18) expressed on T cells and other leukocytes. This engagement is crucial for the formation and stabilization of the immunological synapse, which allows for efficient T-cell activation by APCs (Abbas et al., Cellular and Molecular Immunology). Additionally, the ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction facilitates the transendothelial migration of T cells from the blood into peripheral tissues during inflammatory responses. Pathologically, overactivity or chronic signaling through this axis contributes to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including dry eye disease and psoriasis (NCBI Bookshelf, NBK538238). Therapeutic agents like lifitegrast and efalizumab have been developed to disrupt this binding, thereby reducing T-cell mediated inflammation. While effective, targeting this pathway requires careful management due to the potential for impaired host defense and increased susceptibility to infections.

Other names

CD54-CD11a/CD18 interactionICAM-1/LFA-1 axisLFA-1/ICAM-1 complexCD54-CD11a engagement

Inhibition of the protein-protein interaction between ICAM-1 and LFA-1, which prevents the firm adhesion of T cells to antigen-presenting cells or endothelial cells, thereby blocking T-cell activation and tissue infiltration (StatPearls, NBK538238).