Abstract
Circulating leukocytes transmigrate into the tissue through a multistep process involving rolling, adhesion, and extravasation. This process is relatively rapid and takes about several minutes. Molecules involved in this process have recently been extensively clarified. It has been known that leukocytes that have transmigrated into the tissue migrate through the tissue by interacting with the extracellular matrix components in a span of several hours or longer, whereas the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are almost unknown (1). We have recently found that a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican, an extracellular matrix component, binds adhesion molecules, such as L-selectin, P-selectin and CD44, and chemokines. We are speculating that these interactions may be involved in leukocyte migration in the tissue. In this article, we will focus on the interaction of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans with selectins, CD44, and chemokines, and will review recent progress in this field including our own work.
