Cytokines, adhesion molecules, antiendothelial cell autoantibodies and vascular disease.

Vascular endothelial cells present a surface to circulating blood elements that is continuously changing its phenotype under the influence of cytokines and other soluble mediators, and as a result of cell-cell interactions. Phenotypic changes enable endothelial cells to respond to local environmental conditions, for example, promoting pro-inflammatory or pro-coagulant properties. Antibodies may also develop to structures on this changing endothelial surface. The characteristics of antiendothelial cell antibodies identified to date and their perceived role in vascular disease is discussed.