ICAMs
ICAMs, or intercellular adhesion molecules, are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface proteins that act as ligands for integrins and mediate leukocyte adhesion and transmigration. The best known members are ICAM-1 (CD54), ICAM-2 (CD102), and ICAM-3 (CD50). They are membrane glycoproteins with extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains.
Expression of ICAMs varies: ICAM-1 is inducible on endothelial and other cells by inflammatory cytokines such
Functionally, ICAMs primarily bind to integrins LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on leukocytes, mediating the capture,
In addition to their role in normal immunity, ICAM-1 can serve as a receptor for certain pathogens,
Clinical and research relevance is centered on modulating leukocyte trafficking and inflammation. Anti-adhesion therapies targeting ICAM-1