Adhesion molecules in cardiovascular disease: Opportunities for new therapeutic directions?

Adhesion molecules mediate the adhesion of leukocytes and platelets to the endothelium by specific interactions with precisely defined ligands. Increased levels of adhesion molecules and/or their ligands are found on activated endothelial cells, eg, in allograft rejection, leading to the possibility that inhibition of this process may result in reduced transendothelial migration by leukocytes. Related structures on the surface of the platelet are responsible for the activation of the cell that results in aggregation and possible thrombus formation. Inhibition of these processes may be effected by monoclonal antibodies, low molecular weight polysaccharides, or by peptides. If this approach is successful, then a new class of therapeutic agent may become available.