Mechanisms of neutrophil transendothelial migration.

Neutrophil recruitment is an integral part of the immune response to infection as well as of inflammatory disorders. The process of neutrophil extravasation comprises a complex multistep cascade that is orchestrated by a tightly coordinated sequence of adhesive interactions with vessel wall endothelial cells. Adhesion receptors as well as signaling molecules in both neutrophils and endothelial cells regulate the recruitment of neutrophils into the site of inflammation or infection. The present review will focus on novel aspects with regards to the last step of neutrophil recruitment, namely the transmigration of neutrophils through endothelial cells.