Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), also known as CD54, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is encoded by the ICAM1 gene and is involved in various inflammatory responses. ICAM-1 is primarily expressed on endothelial cells and immune cells, where it facilitates the adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes across the endothelium during inflammatory responses .
ICAM-1 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and consists of five immunoglobulin-like domains. It interacts with integrins, particularly lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and macrophage-1 antigen (Mac-1), to mediate cell-cell adhesion. This interaction is essential for the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation .
ICAM-1 is implicated in various inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. Its expression is upregulated in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β. Elevated levels of ICAM-1 are often observed in chronic inflammatory conditions, making it a potential therapeutic target .
Human recombinant ICAM-1 produced in SF9 cells is a biotechnological advancement that allows for the study and therapeutic application of this molecule. SF9 cells, derived from the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda, are commonly used in recombinant protein production due to their high yield and post-translational modification capabilities .
Recombinant ICAM-1 is used in various research applications, including studying leukocyte adhesion, signal transduction, and the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also utilized in the production of ICAM-1-based therapeutics aimed at modulating immune responses in inflammatory diseases .