CD54, also known as intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), is a 90-110 kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It exhibits a wide tissue distribution, being expressed on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. ICAM-1 expression on leukocytes is low but is rapidly upregulated upon activation. Expression on endothelium and other nonhematopoietic cells is strongly upregulated by inflammatory mediators. The ligands of ICAM-1 are CD11a/LFA-1alpha and CD11b/Mac-1alpha. Endothelial CD54 contributes to the extravasation of leukocytes from blood vessels, particularly in areas of inflammation. CD54 on antigen-presenting cells (APC) contributes to antigen-specific T cell activation, presumably by enhancing interactions between T cells and APC.1-4