Intercellular adhesion molecule

CAM proteins are intercellular cell adhesion molecules that bind to LFA-1 and structurally belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily.

4 types are known: ICAM-1, ICAM-2, ICAM-3, ICAM-4, they all belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily.

ICAM-1 (CD54) is a transmembrane protein (glycoprotein) that is expressed by many cell types, including endothelial and dendritic cells. ICAM-1 consists of 505 amino acids and binds to the ligands LFA-1 and Mac-1, both integrins expressed by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This affinity enables various interactions between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (initiation of the T cell-driven immune response). Furthermore, the membrane glycoprotein controls interactions between neutrophil leukocytes and endothelial cells (initiation of an inflammatory reaction - diapedesis of neutrophil leukocytes). ICAM-1 is the cellular receptor of most rhinovirus strains and Coxsackievirus .

• ICAM-2(CD102)
• ICAM-3
• ICAM-4 (CD242)

have similar functions to ICAM-1 and their production is stimulated by INF gamma or TNF alpha. In addition to LFA-1, these CAMs can also bind to the complement receptors C3 and C4.

A mutation in ICAM-1 leads to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.