VCAM1

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, a cell surface glycoprotein expressed by cytokine-activated endothelium, mediates the adhesion of monocytes and lymphocytes.

Taxonomy

VCAM1 is a memeber of the Ig superfamily, known to mediate cell adhesion, as:
 NCAM1 (MIM.116930)
 ICAM1 (MIM.147840)
 VCAM1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) (MIM.192225)

Ig superfamily members also mediate antigen recognition:
 immunoglobulins (IGH, IGL, IGK)
 T-cell receptors (TCRA, TCRB, TCRD, TCRG)
 MHC molecules.

In addition, a subgroup comprising 30 members characterized by the presence of one or more immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) within their cytoplasmic domain has also been recognized. PECAM1, which has 6 ITIMs within its cytoplasmic domain, is a member of this subfamily;

Another subfamily is the carcinoembryonic antigen gene family (CEA gene family).

Pathology

 In inflammatory conditions and in cardiac allografts undergoing rejection, VCAM1 is upregulated in endothelium of postcapillary venules.