Integrins and ICAM-1 in Immune Responses

The regulation of cell adhesion is a prerequisite for establishing and maintaining a normal host defence system. One of the main classes of molecules mediating cellular adhesive interactions is the integrin, a broadly distributed family of transmembrane receptors. This book offers an overview of the structure and function of a number of integrins and also of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1). Topics covered include the regulation of leukocyte integrin function, the role of VLA integrins in lymphocyte migration and recognition, common and ligand-specific integrin recognition mechanisms, and the role of integrin alpha-481 in lymphocyte-endothelial cell interactions. The second part of the book highlights the importance of ICAM-1, an immunoglobulin and ligand for the leukocyte integrin LFA-1. Its role in inflammation and tumour development is discussed, as well as its relevance as a receptor for rhinovirus and plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes.