MONONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE DIRECTED ENDOTHELIAL ADHESION MOLECULE ASSOCIATED WITH ATHEROSCLEROSIS

摘要

The invention relates to novel endothelial cell-leukocyte adhesion molecules designated ATHERO-ELAM. ATHERO-ELAM molecules are expressed on cultured endothelial cells stimulated with bacterial LPS and selectively mediate the binding of monocytes to the endothelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies specific for ATHERO-ELAM bind to vascular endothelial cells involved in early atherosclerotic lesions, but not to vascular endothelial cells from uninvolved arterial tissue. ATHERO-ELAM and antibodies directed to ATHERO-ELAM may be used in identifying early atherosclerotic lesions and in treating and preventing atherosclerosis.