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Chemokines in inflammation and immunity.
1Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland. marco.baggiolini@tki.unibe.ch
Immunology Today
|August 23, 2000
Summary
Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and related chemokines were initially seen as inflammation triggers. Now, research shows some chemokines are vital for normal leukocyte movement and homing in the body.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Over 50 chemokines have been identified since the discovery of interleukin 8 (IL-8).
- Chemokines were initially understood as inducible mediators primarily involved in inflammation.
- Recent findings reveal a broader role for chemokines beyond inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the functional roles of chemokines.
- To highlight the significance of constitutively expressed chemokines.
- To explore the involvement of chemokines in leukocyte physiology.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of approximately 50 chemokines.
- Analysis of chemokine expression patterns (inducible vs. constitutive).
- Investigation of chemokine functions in leukocyte trafficking.
Main Results:
- Identification of multiple chemokines with constitutive expression.
- Demonstration that some chemokines regulate physiological leukocyte traffic.
- Evidence for chemokine involvement in leukocyte homing.
Conclusions:
- Chemokines possess functions beyond inflammatory responses.
- Constitutive chemokine expression is crucial for normal leukocyte circulation.
- Chemokines play a key role in the homing and trafficking of leukocytes.