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Leukocyte transmigration is mediated by endothelial cell (EC) junctional molecules, but the associated mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigate how intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) mediate neutrophil transmigration in a stimulus-dependent manner (eg, as induced by interleukin-1β [IL-1β] but not tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]), and demonstrate their ability to act in sequence. Using a cell-transfer technique, transmigration responses of wild-type and TNF-α p55/p75 receptor-deficient leukocytes (TNFR−/−) through mouse cremasteric venules were quantified by fluorescence intravital microscopy. Whereas wild-type leukocytes showed a normal transmigration response to TNF-α in ICAM-2−/−, JAM-A−/−, and PECAM-1−/− recipient mice, TNFR−/− leukocytes exhibited a reduced transmigration response. Hence, when the ability of TNF-α to directly stimulate neutrophils is blocked, TNF-α–induced neutrophil transmigration is rendered dependent on ICAM-2, JAM-A, and PECAM-1, suggesting that the stimulus-dependent role of these molecules is governed by the target cell being activated. Furthermore, analysis of the site of arrest of neutrophils in inflamed tissues from ICAM-2−/−, JAM-A−/−, and PECAM-1−/− mice demonstrated that these molecules act sequentially to mediate transmigration. Collectively, the findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of action of key molecules implicated in leukocyte transmigration.

The immune system consists of a complex collection of leukocytes and dendritic cells that surveys most tissues in the body for the appearance of foreign antigens. For an efficient immune response, the interaction and co-localization of antigen-presenting cells, costimulatory helper cells and effector cells are crucial parameters. Therefore, the migration routes of antigen-presenting cells and potential antigen-specific lymphocytes merge in secondary lymphoid organs in order to increase the likelihood and speed of a lymphocyte finding its cognate antigen. Additionally, antigen-primed effector cells are directed to the tissue where they are most likely to encounter their cognate antigen. This highly organized and efficient antigen encounter is based on a continuous recirculation of antigen-specific lymphocytes between blood, peripheral tissue, and secondary lymphoid organs. Moreover, the efficacy of the immune system is further increased by the ability of different lymphocyte subsets to recirculate only through distinct tissues. The scope of this review is to outline the concept and mechanisms of lymphocyte homing and recirculation and to discuss the significance for the immune defense. Current models in leukocyte homing and recirculation and the underlying molecular functions of implicated cell adhesion molecules, chemokines, and chemokine receptors are discussed.