Fig 4.

Schematic representation of CRC cell interactions with hepatic sinusoidal cells. KCs, presenting CEA receptors, may be activated through CEA molecules released by malignant cells, produce cytokines which stimulate endothelial cells to express E-selectin. Metastasizing colorectal cells also present sLe and CD44v ligands, which link with E-, P- and L-selectins. The last two molecules are expressed on platelets and leucocytes respectively. CD44v: CD44 variant, CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA-R: CEA receptor, CRC: colorectal cancer, IL-1β: Interleukin 1β, sLe: sialyl Lewis antigen, TNF-α: tumour necrosis factor α.