Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 10, 337-358, Copyright © 1999 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Adhesion receptors in health and disease
A. I. Rojas and A. R. Ahmed
Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusettes 02115, USA.
Cell adhesion molecules have been recognized to play a major role in a
variety of physiological and pathological phenomena. They determine the
specificity of cell-cell binding and the interactions between cells and
extracellular matrix proteins. Some of them may also function as receptors
that trigger intracellular pathways and participate in cellular processes
like migration, proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. The
receptors that mediate adhesion between epithelial cells that are discussed
in this review include integrins, selectins, the immunoglobulin superfamily
members, and cadherins. The intent of this review is to inform the reader
about recent advances in cellular and molecular functions of certain
receptors, specifically those that are considered important in cell
adhesion. We have deliberately not provided all-inclusive detailed
information on every molecule, but instead, have presented a generalized
overview in order to give the reader a global perspective. This information
will be useful in enhancing the reader's understanding of the molecular
pathology of diseases and recognizing the potential role of these receptors
and ligands as therapeutic agents.
