The biology of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1: its role as a selectin counterreceptor in leukocyte-endothelial and leukocyte-platelet interaction

Cell-cell interactions mediating leukocyte trafficking, thrombogenesis and inflammation are crucial for the host defense mechanism. The Selectin family of integral membrane proteins includes E-Selectin, L-selectin and P-Selectin. Selectins mediate tethering and rolling of leukocytes to the vessel wall at the site of inflammation. The counter-receptor for P-Selectin and possibly the other selectins is P-Selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). This review focuses on the properties and biology of PSGL- 1.