Neutrophil activation by adhesion: Mechanisms and pathophysiological implications

Neutrophil adhesion plays an essential role in the formation of an inflammatory exudate. Moreover, adhesion activates selective neutrophil functions and regulates the cell response to additional stimuli. In this review we summarize the information available on adhesion molecules involved in neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells and extracellular matrix proteins and the experimental approaches which have been developed to block neutrophil adhesion and neutrophil mediated tissue damage. We also address the mechanisms of activation of selective neutrophil functions by adhesion molecules and, in particular, the mechanisms of signal transduction by neutrophil integrins. On the basis of recent results obtained in our and other laboratories we propose a model hypothesizing mechanisms of signaling by neutrophil integrins involved in regulation of selective functions.