ICAM-1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule) ELISA

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1): Overview and Clinical Relevance

Introduction to ICAM-1: Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a key glycoprotein in the immunoglobulin superfamily. It plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and immune responses by acting as a ligand for Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 (LFA-1), an alpha-beta integrin that is essential for lymphocyte adhesion.

Structure and Function:

• Structure: ICAM-1 is a single-chain glycoprotein with a core polypeptide of approximately 55 kDa.
• Function: ICAM-1 facilitates the adhesion of lymphocytes and other immune cells to endothelial cells and other cell types. This interaction is critical for immune cell trafficking and the inflammatory response.

Clinical Relevance: ICAM-1's role as a disease marker is significant across various pathological conditions. Its expression can be upregulated in response to inflammation or tissue damage, making it a useful biomarker for several diseases:

1. Allergic Disorders:
• Airway Inflammation: Elevated ICAM-1 levels are associated with allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Increased ICAM-1 expression is noted in the skin inflammation seen in allergic reactions.
2. Cancer:
• Gastrointestinal Cancers: Elevated ICAM-1 levels are found in cancers such as colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.
• Lymphoid Malignancies: ICAM-1 expression is often upregulated in lymphomas and leukemias.
• Malignant Melanoma: Increased ICAM-1 is observed in malignant melanoma, contributing to cancer cell adhesion and metastasis.
3. Infectious Diseases:
• HIV-1: ICAM-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-1, affecting viral entry and immune cell interactions.
• Malaria: Upregulation of ICAM-1 is observed in malaria, where it is involved in the sequestration of infected red blood cells.
• Hepatitis B: Elevated ICAM-1 levels are linked to liver inflammation and damage in hepatitis B virus infection.
4. Transplant Rejection:
• Heart, Kidney, and Liver Transplants: ICAM-1 levels increase during transplant rejection, indicating inflammation and immune activation.
5. Diabetes Mellitus:
• Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: ICAM-1 expression is elevated in diabetic patients, reflecting endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
6. Myocardial Infarction:
• Cardiac Injury: Increased ICAM-1 levels are associated with myocardial infarction, highlighting its role in cardiac inflammation and repair.
7. Glomerulonephritis:
• Kidney Inflammation: ICAM-1 is upregulated in glomerulonephritis, contributing to kidney inflammation and damage.
8. Central Nervous System Inflammation:
• Multiple Sclerosis: Elevated ICAM-1 levels are observed in multiple sclerosis, where it plays a role in the recruitment of immune cells to the central nervous system.
9. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
• Joint Inflammation: Increased ICAM-1 expression is seen in rheumatoid arthritis, reflecting its involvement in joint inflammation and damage.
10. Psoriasis:
• Skin Inflammation: ICAM-1 is upregulated in psoriasis, contributing to the inflammatory processes in the skin.

Conclusion: ICAM-1 serves as an important marker for inflammation and immune responses in a wide range of diseases. Its elevated expression is associated with various conditions, making it a valuable target for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Understanding ICAM-1's role in these diseases can help in the development of strategies for managing inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders.

This ELISA Kit from Tecan IBL International is for research use only.

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