Selectin

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Selectins are a family of cell-surface adhesion molecules of leukocytes and endothelial cells. During an inflammatory response stimuli such as histamine and thrombin cause endothelial cells to mobilize P-selectin from stores inside the cell to the cell surface. In addition, cytokines such as TNF-alpha stimulate the expression of E-selectin and additional P-selectin a few hours later. As the leukocyte rolls along the blood vessel wall, the distal lectin-like domain of the selectin binds to carbohydrate groups presented on proteins (such as PSGL-1) on the leukocyte, which slows the cell and allows it to leave the blood vessel and enter the site of infection.

There is an computer-generated movie of the mobilization of P-selectin inside a leukocyte here [1]

Selected + Lectins (sugars) = Selectins

Some selectins are present on endothelial cells (E-Selectin)

Some selectins are present on leukocytes (L-Selectin)

Some selectins are present on platelets (P-Selectin)

[edit] See also

• Cell adhesion