E- and P-Selectin : Differences, Similarities and Implications for the Design of P-Selectin Antagonists

Selectins form a family of Ca(2+)-dependent carbohydrate binding proteins that mediate the initial step of leukocyte recruitment in the inflammatory process. Blocking of selectins is therefore considered a promising therapeutic approach to treat acute and chronic inflammatory diseases which are caused by excessive extravasation of leukocytes. This mini-review highlights the major structural differences between E- and P-selectin and summarizes the resulting strategies for the design of selectin antagonists.