Figure 1.

Illustration summarizing the inflammatory role of CD146 in autoimmune diseases. (a) CD146 supports thymic development and architecture and promotes the differentiation of naïve T cells from the Th17 subset. (b) In the blood compartment, CD146 enhances the adhesion, rolling, and extravasation of lymphocytes and monocytes across the endothelium. The soluble form of CD146 favorizes IL-8 secretion by endothelial cells, which in turn recruit neutrophils. (c) Following extravasation, immune effectors produce a storm of inflammatory cytokines, which exacerbate inflammation and subsequently damage target organs such as the Central Nervous System (CNS), skin, and joints.