Selectin, Leukocyte (SELL)

L-selectin, also known as CD62L, is a cell adhesion molecule found on leukocytes. It belongs to the selectin family of proteins, which recognise sialylated carbohydrate groups. It is cleaved by ADAM17.The protein contains a C-type lectin-like domain, a calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like domain, and two short complement-like repeats.

L-selectin acts as a "homing receptor" for leukocytes to enter tissues at the site of inflammation. Ligands present on endothelial cells will bind to leukocytes expressing L-selectin, causing them to become localised at that point. The receptor is also found on the cell surfaces of "naive" T cells, which have not yet encountered their specific antigen. This surface expression is lost after the cells are activated.