| Adhesion molecules mediate adhesion between cells
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| The whole process of the immune response is dependent on the expression of the molecules and ligands that mediate adhesion between cells and the connective tissue elements such as fibronectin or collagen (Chapter 27). These are termed 'adhesion molecules' (see Fig. 25.14). They are found on a wide variety of cell types and they play important roles in interactions between the lymphocytes and the endothelium lining the small blood vessels. A major determinant of their expression is the prevailing cytokine environment and the surrounding connective tissue matrix.
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Adhesion molecules are grouped into the following families:
- integrins;
- immunoglobulin supergene family adhesion molecules;
- selectins.
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