Human Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) Protein

Background

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a protein encoded by the ICAM1 gene in humans. It plays a crucial role in the immune response by aiding in the adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. ICAM-1. It binds to integrins of type CD11a / CD18, or CD11b / CD18 and is also exploited by rhinovirus as a receptor for entry into respiratory epithelium. ICAM-1 is a transmembrane protein possessing an amino-terminus extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a carboxy-terminus cytoplasmic domain. The structure of ICAM-1 is characterized by heavy glycosylation, and the protein’s extracellular domain is composed of multiple loops created by disulfide bridges within the protein. ICAM-1 is important for the process of leukocyte extravasation, which is how white blood cells move from the bloodstream to infected or injured tissues. It helps leukocytes stick to endothelial cells, a crucial step in the inflammatory response. ICAM-1 can also trigger intracellular signaling events when it binds to its ligands, influencing cellular processes related to inflammation and immune responses.