Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors:Their Manifold Roles in Homeostasis and Disease

摘要

＜正＞ Chemokines are a superfamily of small proteins that bind to G protein-coupled receptors on target cells andwere originally discovered as mediators of directional migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation andinjury.In recent years,it has become clear that the function of chemokines extends well beyond the role inleukocyte chemotaxis.They participate in organ development,angiogenesis/angiostasis,leukocyte traffickingand homing,tumorigenesis and metastasis,as well as in immune responses to microbial infection.Therefore,chemokines and their receptors are important targets for modulation of host responses in pathophysiologicaiconditions and for therapeutic intervention of human diseases.Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.2004;1（2）:95-104.