VCAM-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein containing multiple amino-terminal extracellular Ig-like domains, a transmembrane domain, and a short carboxy-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Alternative splicing generates two isoforms of VCAM-1. The role of VCAM-1 during infection and inflammatory diseases is well characterized. Expression of VCAM-1 is induced in endothelial cells by inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β. VCAM-1 on endothelial cells interacts with the integrin VLA-4 on leukocytes to mediate migration of circulating leukocytes from the blood across the endothelium and into tissues.
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