Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors: Structure and Function

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a brief introduction to chemokine structure and activities. It explores the many functions of immune modulators, the family of chemokines. Chemokines are encoded by a large gene family with at least 45 members. The receptors for chemokines also belong to a gene family with at least 18 members, and all are G-protein-coupled receptors. The sequence similarities found in the chemokine gene family are reflected in their similar three-dimensional structures; however, chemokines display a diverse range of activities. Originally identified as potent leukocyte attractants in inflammatory diseases, chemokines have now been found to play critical roles in the natural development and regulation of the immune system. In addition, chemokines and their receptors have been utilized by pathogens to subvert the host immune system. Furthermore, this chapter provides a tabular description of the comprehensive chemokine nomenclature along with the receptors and cell types with which they interact. It also discusses the classification of chemokines. Chemokines can be divided into two general classes based on whether they are induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines or are constitutively expressed. The induced chemokines are upregulated very quickly at sites of infection or trauma and control the recruitment of leukocytes to the affected area. The constitutive chemokines are generally more involved in controlling migration of leukocytes through various tissues. Finally, it deals with chemokine receptors.