Adhesion molecules in clinical medicine

Cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) are critical components in the processes of embryogenesis, tissue repair and organization, lymphocyte function, lymphocyte homing and tumor metastasis, as well as being central to the interactions between hemopoietic progenitors and bone marrow microenvironment, and between leukocytes and platelets with vascular endothelium. Expression of CAMs regulates normal hemopoiesis and migration and function of mature hemopoietic cells. CAMs are an important part of the inflammatory response and may regulate cytokine synthesis. In addition, CAM expression may be critical for tumorigenesis. Monoclonal antibodies to CAMs have been developed for clinical use; initial results suggest that these agents have great potential in the prevention and treatment of inflammation, thrombosis, reperfusion injury, and graft rejection.