ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the expression and function of adhesion molecules in the migration of basophils from the circulation to specific tissue sites. Basophilic cell lines, such as the KU812 human leukemia line, have been studied as surrogates for basophils given many similarities between the cell types. Studies from several laboratories have demonstrated that rapid changes in the avidity of integrins on leukocytes can occur as a result of cell activation or by manipulating the extracellular concentration of divalent cations. The endothelium clearly can play an active role during basophil recruitment by expressing new or enhanced levels of adhesion molecules on its surface after being activated by specific stimuli. Adherence via surface integrin molecules has been shown to activate a number of signaling pathways in other leukocytes. Signaling can also occur through other non-integrin adhesion molecules.
