ABSTRACT
Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions are critical events in several basic physiological processes, including inflammation, hemostasis, and the immune response. These interactions are often mediated by specific membrane glycoprotein receptors on circulating or fixed vascular cells. These adhesion molecules are classified on the basis of structural homology. Well-characterized families of adhesion molecules include the integrins, the immunoglobulin superfamily, the cadherins, and the recently defined selectin family. This chapter will review our current understanding of the structure and function of the selectins. The other families of adhesion molecules are discussed in detail in other chapters of this volume.
