Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1

Mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) is a membrane protein that is part of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is selectively expressed on the surface of endothelial cells lining mucosal venules, such as high endothelial venules (HEVs) and lamina propia venules of the small intestine. It is involved in both the recruitment and retention of lymphocytes to mucosal tissues due to its ability to bind the vascular adhesion molecules integrin a4?7 and L-selectin. Overexpression of MAdCAM-1 in intestinal mucosa has been linked to diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Chrons Disease. MAdCAM-1?s involvement in lymphocyte homing to the intestine also plays a role in the development of central nervous system inflammation, implicating it in diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: Q13477