The role of leukocyte adhesion molecules in acute transplant rejection

The specific adhesion of cells to other cells or to particular tissues or tissue components is a basic function of cell migration and recognition and underlies many biologic processes including embryogenesis, repair, and immunity. Adhesion molecules are involved in and mediate most cell to cell interactions, implement migration of leukocytes to inflammatory or alloantigenic sites, and costimulate cell activation and transformation. Because of these functions, the subject of adhesion molecules is gaining broader interest in the field of transplantation, particularly in the conceptualization and development of future treatment strategies. These molecules influence not only the first interaction between host leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells of the graft but also their migration through the grafted tissues. These contacts seem to be based initially on antigen-independent events of adhesion, which then progress to the antigen-dependent events of antigen recognition and host cell activation. This review evaluates current studies concerning the role of adhesion molecules in the context of the multifaceted processes of allograft rejection