Selectin-mediated rolling

Selectin-mediated rolling is a process where white blood cells move along blood vessel walls during inflammation or immune responses. Selectins are special proteins on the surface of blood vessel cells that temporarily latch onto carbohydrate molecules on the white blood cell's surface. This temporary binding causes the white blood cells to slow down and roll along the vessel walls instead of flowing freely. This rolling allows the cells to sense signals and eventually stop completely to exit the bloodstream and reach the affected tissue. It’s a critical step in immune defense, guiding cells to where they’re needed.