chemokines


che·mo·kines (CC),

(kē'mō-kinz), Several groups composed of usually 8-10 kD polypeptide cytokines that are chemokinetic and chemotactic, stimulating leukocyte movement and attraction. Synonym(s): intercrines [chemo- + G. kineō, to set in motion]

che·mo·kines

(kē'mō-kīnz) Several groups composed of usually 8-10 kD polypepytide cytokines that are chemokinetic and chemotactic stimulating leukocyte movement and attraction.
Synonym(s): intercrines. [chemo- + G. kineō, to set in motion]

chemokines

Chemotactic CYTOKINES, a family of about 50 structurally-related heparin-binding proteins that can induce activation and migration of specific types of white cell, attracting them to sites of inflammation by chemotaxis. They have a fundamental role in inflammation and are concerned in the immune system protective responses to infecting organisms. Chemokines are also concerned in ANGIOGENESIS. Chemokines are implicated in allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, COPD, insulin resistance, obesity-induced diabetes, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Chemokine-receptor antagonists are under active investigation.