Cell adhesion molecules in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the joints and major internal organs that has an unknown aetiology. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are expressed on the surface of cells, enabling homotypic and heterotypic cell-cell interactions that are fundamental in the process of the inflammatory reaction. Three major families of CAMs are now recognised, with numerous subtypes. Many of these molecules play an important role in the mechanism of disease in rheumatoid arthritis. E-Selectin and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 are upregulated on the synovial endothelium, while vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 plays an important role in the synovial lining layer cells and within the synovial stroma. The expression of CAMs may be blocked by monoclonal antibodies and modified by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. This has very important implications in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis.