Formation of adhesive contacts between neutrophils and beads coated with endothelial ligands

The adhesive contacts between neutrophil and endothelium are mediated by β-integrin-endothelial ligand interactions. Binding of integrins to their ligands ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 occurs only when integrins are in an "activated" conformation. The high affinity state can be induced in vitro by Mg²⁺, enabling adhesion without causing the whole cell activation. Formation of adhesive contacts is modulated both by temperature and the duration of contact between the neutrophil and the integrin ligand-coated surface.