Steven D. Marlin is a researcher whose work helped identify a molecular pair involved in cell adhesion. In a 1987 study with T. A. Springer, Steven D. Marlin tested whether purified ICAM-1 could bind biological cells carrying LFA-1.[ref]
The investigators incorporated purified ICAM-1 into artificial supported lipid bilayers. Cells carrying LFA-1 bound, while the negative comparison cells did not. Antibodies against either partner inhibited the interaction when applied to the corresponding surface.[ref]
Purified intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a ligand for lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) by Steven D. Marlin and Timothy A. Springer. Abstract: membrane reconstitution, positive/negative cells and blocking controls
Reconstitution narrowed the explanation. Adhesion between two intact biological cells might depend on many surface components; supplying one purified candidate in an artificial membrane reduced that complexity. Blocking each side independently then tested whether both identified proteins contributed to the measured attachment.
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