Chemokines, receptors, and their role in cardiovascular pathology.
A superfamily of leukocyte chemotactic proteins, known as chemokines, has been identified during the past decade. Chemokines selectively attract and activate different leukocyte subpopulations and are key mediators of a variety of patho-physiological states, including hematopoiesis, inflammation, infection, allergy, atheroslerosis, reperfusion injury, as well as malignant tumors. Chemokines bind and activate a number of specific or promiscuous, G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptors. Some of these receptors are utilized by human immuno-deficiency virus type 1 as essential fusion co-factors. Further understanding of the role of chemokines and their receptors in host defense will help develop means by which the beneficial versus detrimental effects of these molecules can be balanced.
Laboratory of Molecular Immunoregulation, Division of Basic Sciences, National Cancer Institute-Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, MD 21702, USA.
J M
JM
Wang
S
S
Su
W
W
Gong
J J
JJ
Oppenheim
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018925:Chemokines / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000502:physiology*
D018925:Chemokines; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine