Cell Adhesion Molecules: Potential Therapeutic and Diagnostic Implications

The role of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in various pathological processes, including angiogenesis, thrombosis, apoptosis, cell migration, and proliferation, is well-documented. These processes can lead to both acute and chronic disease states such as ocular diseases, metastasis, unstable angina (UA), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, osteoporosis, a wide range of inflammatory diseases, vascular remodeling, and neurodegenerative disorders. One key milestone in this field is evident from the potential role of the platelet GPIIb/IIIa integrin in the prevention and diagnosis of various thromboembolic disorders. Additionally, soluble adhesion molecules as potential diagnostic markers for acute and chronic leukocyte, platelet, and endothelial cellular insult are increasingly utilized. In this chapter, the development of various therapeutic and diagnostic candidates based on the key role of CAM—with special emphasis on integrins in various diseases as well as the structure-function aspects of cell adhesion and signaling of the different CAM and ECM—is highlighted.