ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the coordinated mechanisms and steps involved in leukocyte accumulation to the airway by focusing on adhesion molecules, early response cytokines, and chemokines. The activation and expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of vascular endothelial cells has been well defined. The active participation of adhesion molecules in allergic airway inflammation and asthma has been postulated as an important mechanism to promote the response. Experiments conducted in multiple laboratories and clinics have established correlations between adhesion molecule expression and the severity of asthmatic responses. The elucidation of adhesion molecule expression pattern and location during allergic airway responses will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms and lead to development of proper therapeutic approaches to modulate the responses. The upregulation of adhesion molecules and accumulation of leukocytes is mediated by complex mechanisms that are induced by a cascade of events dependent on the production of mediators in a specified sequence.
