Leukocyte transendothelial migration (TEM) requires endothelial signalling. This signalling
is initiated by clustering of cell-surface adhesion molecules and transmitted into
the endothelium by a group of associated or co-clustered adapter proteins. These adapter
proteins, such as cortactin and filamin, connect the adhesion molecules to the actin
cytoskeleton as well as to signalling enzymes and downstream pathways. This short
review aims to define common themes in adapter protein binding in endothelial cells
and to propose critical functions that are exerted by these adapters in leukocyte
transendothelial migration.
Keywords
Adhesion receptors - endothelial cells - signal transduction - inflammation - leukocyte
trafficking / recruitment