Signals emanating from leukocyte-endothelium interactions during inflammation

Leukocyte trafficking throughout the vasculature is a crucial step for the development of innate and adaptive immunity (1). The coordinate function of adhesion receptors, cytoskeleton and signaling molecules in both cellular types is fundamental during leukocyte extravasation. Hence, the correct integration of “outside-in” and “inside-out” signals in leukocytes and endothelium during each stage of the process is critical to allow the completion of the so-called “multi-step paradigm” (leukocyte tethering and rolling involving selectins and their ligands, followed by leukocyte firm adhesion and crawling mediated by integrins and their endothelial counter-receptors and the subsequent diapedesis also mediated by junctional proteins) (2, 3). This review focuses on the signaling pathways triggered during the extravasation that allow leukocytes to efficiently migrate towards the inflammatory foci to exert their effector functions.