Wang J M, Su S, Gong W, Oppenheim J J
Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, Division of Basic Sciences, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, MD 21702, USA.
Int J Clin Lab Res. 1998;28(2):83-90. doi: 10.1007/s005990050024.
A superfamily of leukocyte chemotactic proteins, known as chemokines, has been identified during the past decade. Chemokines selectively attract and activate different leukocyte subpopulations and are key mediators of a variety of patho-physiological states, including hematopoiesis, inflammation, infection, allergy, atheroslerosis, reperfusion injury, as well as malignant tumors. Chemokines bind and activate a number of specific or promiscuous, G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptors. Some of these receptors are utilized by human immuno-deficiency virus type 1 as essential fusion co-factors. Further understanding of the role of chemokines and their receptors in host defense will help develop means by which the beneficial versus detrimental effects of these molecules can be balanced.
