l-Selectin – A dynamic regulator of leukocyte migration

The leukocytic cell adhesion receptor l-selectin mediates the initial step of the adhesion cascade, the capture and rolling of leukocytes on endothelial cells. This event enables leukocytes to migrate out of the vasculature into surrounding tissues during inflammation and immune surveillance. Distinct domains of l-selectin contribute to proper leukocyte migration. In this review, we discuss the contributions of these domains with respect to l-selectin function: the regulation by serine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail, the role of the transmembrane domain in receptor positioning on the cell surface as well as the N-glycosylation of the extracellular part and the identification of novel binding partners.