Abstract: The present invention is directed towards compositions and methods for reducing or controlling inflammation and for treating inflammatory disease processes and other pathological conditions mediated by intercellular adhesion. The compositions of the invention include compounds that selectively bind selectin receptors, the selectin binding activity being mediated by a carbohydrate moiety. The selectin-binding moieties of the invention are derivatives of a sialylated, fucosylated N-acetyllactosamine unit of the Lewis X antigen. Compounds containing a selectin-binding moiety in both monovalent and multivalent forms are included in the invention. The compounds of the invention are provided as pharmaceutical compositions which include, for example, liposomes that carry selectin-binding moieties of the invention. The invention further includes immunoglobulins capable of selectively binding an oligosaccharide ligand that is recognized by a selectin receptor.