Aggregation of mononuclear and red blood cells through an α4β1-Lu/basal cell adhesion molecule interaction in sickle cell disease

摘要

BackgroundAbnormal interactions between red blood cells, leukocytes and endothelial cells play a critical role in the occurrence of the painful vaso-occlusive crises associated with sickle cell disease. We investigated the interaction between circulating leukocytes and red blood cells which could lead to aggregate formation, enhancing the incidence of vaso-occlusive crises.