L-Selectin/CD62L

L-Selectin (CD62L), encoded by SELL, is a C-type lectin adhesion receptor that initiates the rolling step of leukocyte recruitment. It recognizes sulfate-rich carbohydrate ligands such as peripheral lymph node addressins (PNAd) on high endothelial venules, guiding naive and central memory lymphocytes into lymph nodes and mediating neutrophil rolling on inflamed endothelium. Cell activation triggers rapid shedding of L-Selectin by the protease ADAM17, converting adhesion from rolling to firm arrest. Clinically, CD62L distinguishes naive from effector T cell subsets, and its ligand-binding biology underpins research on lymphocyte trafficking, vaccination and tumor metastasis.