Exp Mol Med.  2009 May;41(5):341-348. 10.3858/emm.2009.41.5.038.

ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction contributes to the induction of endothelial cell-cell separation: implication for enhanced leukocyte diapedesis

• Wee H
• Oh HM
• Jo JH
• Jun CD

• KMID: 1123808
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3858/emm.2009.41.5.038

Abstract

The basic route and mechanism for diapedesis has not yet to be fully defined. Here we present evidence that "cell-cell separation" between endothelial cells (ECs) may provide a route for leukocyte diapedesis. We unexpectedly found that extensive interaction between peripheral blood leukocytes and ECs that were activated by TNF-alpha induced the opening of EC contacts and, surprisingly, resulted in cell-cell separation. This event was specific to the intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1)/leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 interaction, as demonstrated by the following: (1) ICAM-1 expression correlated with increased EC contraction; and (2) the blocking of ICAM-1 selectively inhibited EC separation. Thus, we suggest that "cell-cell separation" could be a mechanism for diapedesis in situations that may require massive leukocyte infiltration.

Keyword

cell movement; endothelial cells; intercellular adhesion molecule-1; leukocytes; lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1

MeSH Terms

Cell Movement
Cells, Cultured
Endothelial Cells/*cytology/metabolism
Flow Cytometry
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Humans
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/*metabolism
Leukocytes/cytology/*immunology
Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1/*metabolism