The role of cell adhesion molecules in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer

Abstract Adhesion molecules participate in a broad variety of biological processes, i.e. tumour progression and inflammation, through their involvement in cell-to-cell interactions and immunoinflammatory cell migration. This review describes the basic properties of adhesion molecules with reference to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal carcinoma. Future therapeutic approaches in inflammatory and malignant disorders may include development of principles targeting adhesion molecules.