VCAM1

Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (VCAM1), also known as CD106, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of endothelial cells. It plays a critical role in leukocyte recruitment and adhesion during inflammation by binding to integrin α4β1 (VLA-4) on leukocytes. VCAM1 is involved in various inflammatory processes, including atherosclerosis, where it contributes to the development of plaques by facilitating monocyte infiltration into the arterial wall. The VCAM1/VLA-4 interaction is regulated by various signaling pathways, such as the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and is a target for drug development in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Recent research has focused on the development of VCAM1 inhibitors, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, to treat atherosclerosis and other inflammatory conditions.