Pharmacological modulation of cell adhesion molecules

Cell adhesion molecules mediate the contact between two cells or between cells and the extracellular matrix. They are essential for morphogenesis, organization of tissues and organs, regulation of immune cell responses and migration of inflammatory cells from the blood vessels into inflamed tissues. Many diseases have been shown to be associated with dysfunction or with overexpression of certain adhesion molecules. Increased cell adhesion molecule function and number are found in clinical disorders in which inflammation and immune cells are involved. Several possible therapeutic agents are described here which have been shown to reduce the expression and/or function of cell adhesion molecules. Anti-adhesion treatment can lead to diminished infiltration and activation of inflammatory immune cells resulting in decreased tissue injury and malfunction.