Adhesion molecules in hematology

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Effective hematopoiesis occurs through a series of steps involving proliferation, development and differentiation of early hematopoietic progenitor cells and ultimately leads to the release of mature cells into the peripheral blood. This process is dependent on discrete cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions which are regulated by expression of adhesion molecules. This publication highlights the critical role played by adhesion molecules in both normal and pathological hematopoiesis. Several reviews focus on the regulation and expression of adhesion molecules in different types of hematological malignancies, which is likely to play an important part in the anatomical distribution and progression of the disease. Further topics include homing and trafficking of hemopoietic progenitor cells, adhesive interactions in hemostasis, as well as the roles of adhesion in cancer spread and in graft-versus-host-disease. Written by experienced investigators, this compilation of reviews provides an excellent overview of the latest advances in the field and will be essential reading for hematologists, oncologists, internists, pathologists, cell and molecular biologists.