Mechanistic understanding of crosstalk between blood vessels and immunity and inflammation in diseases

Vascular endothelial cells and immune cells are lifetime companions by sharing common ancestors and uninterrupted interactions in the circulation. Distribution of immune and inflammatory cells to various tissues and organs is attained by blood flow that travels from large to small vessels. To execute their functions, immune cells cross the vessel wall at least twice through distinct processes of intravasation and extravasation. Anomalous interactions between immune cells and vascular cells may lead to the onset, development, and progression of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory disease. This review article highlights emerging signaling molecules in modulating interactions between immune cells and endothelial cells under both physiological and pathological conditions. My aim is to provide the updated mechanistic insights into the immune-vascular interface and to discuss possible therapeutic approaches for effective treatment of relevant diseases.