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Mini‐review: Transendothelial migration of leukocytes: through the front door or around the side of the house?
Author(s) -
Engelhardt Britta,
Wolburg Hartwig
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
european journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.272
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1521-4141
pISSN - 0014-2980
DOI - 10.1002/eji.200425327
Subject(s) - leukocyte extravasation , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , extravasation , endothelium , endothelial stem cell , immunology , adhesion , innate immune system , cell adhesion molecule , immune system , in vitro , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Abstract Leukocyte adhesion to the endothelial cells lining the vessel wall and the subsequent migration of the leukocytes into the underlying tissue are key elements of both innate and adaptive immunity. Leukocyte extravasation is generally believed to take place through small gaps at intercellular endothelial cell junctions – the para cellular route. This view has, however, been repeatedly challenged by morphological studies demonstrating leukocyte migration through the endothelial cells themselves – the trans cellular pathway. On the basis of the current experimental evidence, we propose consideration that both pathways are equally possible for a leukocyte's journey from the apical surface of the endothelium to its basal side.