Function
Selectin or CD62 are cell adhesion molecules which bind sugar moieties and thus are regarded as lectins. The structure of selectin consists of extracellular calcium-dependent lectin domain, an EGF-like domain and a number of concensus repeat units, a transmembranal domain and a intracellular domain[1]. Three types of selectins are found:
- E-selectin found in endothelial cells
- L-selectin found in leukocytes
- P-selectin found in platelets.
Relevance
Selectins are involved in inflammation processes. The L-selectins on the surface of leukocytes bind to carbohydrates causing the cells to roll along the blood vessel walls, slowing their motion and enabling them to enter the site of infection[2]. E-selectin levels correlate with disease activity in psoriasis patients[3]. L-selectin levels correlate with disease activity in type I diabetes[4].
Structural insight
The [5]. .
