New Aspects of the Role of LFA-1 in Bacterial Infection

Leukocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 (CD11a/CD18) is considered to play a pivotal role in a broad range of cellular events, ranging from firm adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells initiating leukocyte transmigration and extravasation to functional activation of various inflammatory cells promoting type 1-immune responses. Yet, recent studies argue against the role of LFA-1 in these inflammatory responses. Additionally, recent advances establish LFA-1 as a crucial molecule in regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine network and in control of granulopoiesis. Thus, it seems likely that LFA-1 plays more complicated/unique roles than originally thought.