Introduction |
CD54, otherwise known as ICAM-1, is a widely expressed type I integral membrane glycoprotein and member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which acts as a ligand for the leukocyte integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 integrins, and is the major receptor for human rhinovirus. CD54 is highly expressed on activated endothelial cells and plays a role in transendothelial cell migration to sites of acute inflammation, functioning primarily as an adhesion molecule between endothelial cells and leucocytes, following injury or stress. Levels of soluble CD54 in serum, can be potentially used as an indication of infection, inflammation and certain tumours, and as a target for immunosuppression in transplantation. |