Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), also known as CD106), is a 100-110 kDa, type I transmembrane glycoprotein typically characterized by the presence of seven C2-type immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and functions as a cell adhesion molecule. The VCAM-1 protein mediates the adhesion of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to vascular endothelium. VCAM-1 is an endothelial ligand for VLA-4 (Very Late Antigen-4 or α4β1) of the β1 subfamily of integrins, and for integrin α4β7. VCAM-1 expression has also been observed in other cell types. It has also been shown to interact with EZR and Moesin. Other roles proposed for VCAM-1 include the regulation of osteoclastogenesis via a cell-to-cell contact mechanism and the induction of sickle cell adherence to vascular endothelial cells during hypoxemia. It also functions in leukocyte-endothelial cell signal transduction.
Monitoring of sVCAM-1 levels in serum provides more detailed insights in several pathological situations such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.