The role of adhesion molecules in allergic inflammation and their suitability as targets of antiallergic therapy.

Adhesion molecules on leukocytes and tissue-resident cells are now known to mediate steps of the allergic inflammation response. Blockade of adhesion pathways is being actively explored as a potential strategy to therapeutically manage allergic diseases. The various adhesion molecules and their counterligands are discussed with respect to evidence supporting their role in allergic inflammation and suitability as therapeutic targets.