Chemokines and their receptors in disease

Chemokines are a family of structurally related low molecular weight (8-10 kDa) proteins that are important for the organization of tissues during development and regulate cell motility and localization both during development and in the adult. In the adult, this function is predominantly related to the trafficking of leukocytes, although more recently the impact of these molecules on other cell types has become apparent. Chemokines mediate their effects by binding seven transmembrane, G-protein coupled, receptors. In addition to their primary role in regulating cell motility, they can also influence cell survival and proliferation. Antagonists for a number of chemokine receptor have been developed, raising the possibility of interfering with chemokine function as a therapeutic tool. This review focuses on the emerging roles for chemokines in normal physiology and disease.