P-selectin – galectin-1 interface on Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (SELP-LGALS1 interface)

The P-selectin – galectin-1 interface on Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCB-MSCs) is a specialized molecular interaction responsible for the recruitment of therapeutic stem cells to inflamed tissues. In this mechanism, Galectin-1 (LGALS1) expressed on the surface of UCB-MSCs acts as a non-canonical ligand for P-selectin (SELP) located on activated endothelial cells and platelets. This interaction is distinct from the traditional P-selectin/PSGL-1 pathway used by leukocytes and is essential for the initial tethering and rolling of MSCs during the extravasation process. Targeting this interface is of significant interest in regenerative medicine to improve the homing efficiency of intravenously administered MSCs, which often suffer from massive entrapment in the lungs. By enhancing the affinity or density of this interaction through cell-surface engineering or pharmacological agents, researchers aim to increase the concentration of MSCs at sites of injury, such as the brain following an ischemic stroke or the heart after myocardial infarction.

Other names

P-selectin/Galectin-1 interactionSELP-LGALS1 binding siteMSC homing interface

Modulation of cell tethering and rolling on the vascular endothelium to facilitate tissue-specific homing of mesenchymal stem cells.