VCAM1 and infection: •Direct infection and replication in endothelia observed but not associated with cytolysis [13, 14].•Despite infection, VCAM-1 levels are not strongly increased [13, 15], which prevents leukocyte extravasation.•Tyrosine phosphorylation of CD31 on endothelia [16]•Loss of endo-BM contact [17]•Infected macrophages secrete factors that disrupt barrier function [16, 18, 19]