VCAMs
VCAMs, or vascular cell adhesion molecules, are a family of immunoglobulin superfamily adhesion proteins primarily expressed on vascular endothelium. The best characterized member is VCAM-1 (CD106). VCAM-1 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with multiple immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains. Its expression is low in quiescent endothelium but is rapidly upregulated by cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and endotoxins during inflammation, particularly in arteries and inflamed tissues. A soluble form, sVCAM-1, can be shed from the cell surface and serves as a circulating biomarker of endothelial activation.
Functionally, VCAM-1 mediates adhesion of leukocytes to vascular endothelium through binding of leukocyte integrins, notably VLA-4
Clinically, elevated sVCAM-1 levels are associated with cardiovascular risk and endothelial dysfunction. Therapies that interrupt VCAM-1–integrin