[Chemokines and chemokine receptors in multiple sclerosis]

Findings of chemokines and chemokine receptors in multiple sclerosis(MS) are reviewed. MS is a T-helper type 1 (Th1) dominant condition, and Th1-associated chemokine receptors(CCR5 and CXCR3) on CD4- and CD8-positive T cells and their ligands are upregulated in the CNS of the patients with active disease. Meanwhile, Th2-associated chemokine receptors(CCR3 and CCR4) on CD4- and CD8-positive T cells are suppressed during relapse. Their expressions are useful immunological measures of disease activity, clinical subtypes and therapy. CCR7 and the ligands are expressed in the CNS of MS and may be important for the recruitment of immune cells committed to immunological memory and antigen presentation.