Selectins and their counter receptors: a bitter sweet attraction. Issue 11 (November 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Symon, F A; Wardlaw, A J
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 51:Issue 11(1996)
• Page Start: 1155
• Page End: 1157
• Publication Date: 1996-11
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.51.11.1155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : Selectins are adhesion receptors expressed by leucocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells. They mediate the initial binding of leucocytes to vascular endothelium in the post-capillary venules. This is an essential first step in leucocyte migration into tissue. The selectin family of adhesion receptors consists of three C-type lectins (E, P, and L selectin). Their ligands (counter structures) are sialylated and fucosylated carbohydrate molecules which, in most cases, decorate mucin-like glycoprotein membrane receptors. Studies using blocking monoclonal antibodies have shown that inhibition of selectin function can ameliorate a range of inflammatory processes, offering the possibility that antagonists of selectin function may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma.