Targeted regulatory strategies for VCAM-1 in multisystem diseases

Systemic diseases are conditions caused by multiple factors (such as immune disorders, inflammation, tumors, etc.) that affect multiple organs, tissues, or systems throughout the body. These diseases are typically characterized by complex pathological states and diverse clinical symptoms. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein that plays a key role in various pathological processes, including inflammation, immune responses, and tumor progression, by mediating immune cell adhesion, regulating the tumor microenvironment, and facilitating signal transduction. This article aims to review the mechanistic roles of VCAM-1 in systemic diseases affecting the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, as well as the association between VCAM-1 and tumor characteristics. Additionally, it discusses targeted therapeutic drugs (including traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine) that regulate VCAM-1 for disease treatment, providing a theoretical basis for clinical research.