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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
09:55
In vitro Cell Migration and Invasion Assays
Published on: June 1, 2014
Chemokines in pathology and medicine
1Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, and Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland. marco.baggiolini@tki.unibe.ch
Journal of Internal Medicine
|August 8, 2001
Summary
Chemokines, like interleukin-8 (IL-8), are key to immune cell movement in inflammation and immunity. Understanding chemokine roles in disease and developing new therapies is crucial for medical practitioners.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Over 50 human chemokines and 20 receptors identified since the discovery of interleukin-8 (IL-8).
- Chemokine research has significantly advanced the understanding of leukocyte trafficking in immune responses.
- This review targets medical scientists and practitioners, providing essential information on chemokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental aspects of chemokines, including structure, function, and selectivity.
- To explore the extensive involvement of chemokines in immune system regulation and maintenance.
- To discuss the role of chemokines in human diseases and relevant animal models, and to present novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of chemokine research.
- Analysis of chemokine structure, mode of action, and activities.
- Examination of data from animal models and human disease studies.
Main Results:
- Chemokines exhibit diverse structures, modes of action, and selectivity.
- Chemokines play a broad role in regulating immune defense and homeostasis.
- Chemokines are implicated in various pathologies, with therapeutic strategies targeting their modulation.
Conclusions:
- Chemokines are critical regulators of immune cell function and are involved in numerous diseases.
- Modulating chemokine activity offers promising therapeutic avenues for inflammatory conditions.
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