A model for the initial phase of cell/surface interactions based on ligand binding phenomena

Abstract

The interaction between mammalian cells and solid surfaces plays an important role in a number of biological phenomena. Of particular clinical importance is the migration of cells suspended in blood to the wall of a blood vessel in the event of tissue damage. While the resultant inflammation often represents a desirable response to an external challenge, responses of this type can also lead to adverse consequences. Although the cell migration phenomenon is well known, a plausible mechanism for controlling the critical 'rolling' stages of adhesion has yet to be proposed. In this report we suggest how a simple consideration of ligand/receptor binding interactions can be used to explain a switch between a situation where a cell population is almost entirely in free suspension, to one where a significant fraction is attached to the solid surface.