Macrophage infiltration-related adhesion and chemokine factors

Macrophage infiltration-related adhesion and chemokine factors refers to a functional group of proteins, including chemokines and cell adhesion molecules, that coordinate the recruitment of monocytes and their subsequent differentiation into macrophages within tissues (PMID: 29038355). Key members of this group include Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) and adhesion molecules such as Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) (PMID: 11544342). These factors facilitate a multi-step process of leukocyte extravasation, involving tethering, rolling, firm adhesion, and diapedesis across the endothelial barrier (PMID: 19106441). In pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, the dysregulation of these factors leads to chronic macrophage infiltration, which drives tissue remodeling and disease progression (PMID: 28234320). In the tumor microenvironment, macrophage recruitment is often associated with an immunosuppressive phenotype that promotes tumor growth and metastasis (PMID: 25850655). Therapeutic interventions targeting this axis include monoclonal antibodies that neutralize chemokines or block their receptors, as well as small molecules that inhibit adhesion molecule interactions (PMID: 24033867). Clinical examples include drugs like Natalizumab, which targets integrins to prevent leukocyte infiltration in multiple sclerosis, and various CCR2 antagonists under investigation for inflammatory and oncological indications (PMID: 21936307). While highly effective in specific contexts, targeting these fundamental immune processes carries risks such as increased susceptibility to infections and impaired wound healing (PMID: 17047084).

Other names

Macrophage recruitment factorsMonocyte chemoattractants and adhesion moleculesLeukocyte-endothelial adhesion axisMonocyte-macrophage recruitment factors

Inhibition of monocyte recruitment and blockade of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion