Cellular adhesion and the endothelium: E-selectin, L-selectin, and pan-selectin inhibitors

Abstract

The pathophysiology of vasoocclusion is thought to involve a wide variety of adhesive interactions involving erythrocytes, leukocytes, and the endothelium. Selectins are expressed by leukocytes, platelets, and the endothelium, among other tissues. They contribute to a wide variety of physiologically important cell-cell interactions, including adhesion of all types of blood cells to the endothelium. In vitro, in vivo, and early-phase clinical studies suggest that E-selectin and pan-selectin inhibitors may be promising new therapeutic agents for the treatment of vasoocclusion in sickle cell disease.

Keywords: Adhesion; Endothelium; Integrins; Selectins; Sickle cell disease.