Transendothelial migration of monocytes: The underlying molecular mechanisms and consequences of HIV-1 infection

Abstract

Migration of monocytes from the bloodstream across vascular endothelium is required for routine immunological surveillance of tissues and their entry into inflamed sites. Transendothelial migration of monocytes initially involves tethering of cells to the endothelium, followed by loose rolling along the vascular surface, firm adhesion to the endothelium and diapedesis between the tightly apposing endothelial cells. A number of adhesion molecules are involved in this process. Monocyte rolling can be mediated by selectins and their ligands, or α4β1 integrin interacting with endothelial VCAM-1. On the apical surface of the endothelial cell, bound chemokines (eg. MCP-1, MIP-1α/β) can activate le..