What does CXC chemokine stand for?
CXC chemokines are small proteins; CXC refers to the location of the two cysteine residues near the N-terminal, with the X representing any amino acid (cysteine-containing motif)[9]. The ELR+ chemokines are considered to be angiogenic, whereas the ELR- chemokines are considered to be angiostatic[10-12].
What are the four classes of chemokines?
Chemokines have been classified into four main subfamilies: CXC, CC, CX3C and C. All of these proteins exert their biological effects by interacting with G protein-linked transmembrane receptors called chemokine receptors, that are selectively found on the surfaces of their target cells.
What is the role of a chemokine?
Chemokines are a family of chemoattractant cytokines (small proteins secreted by cells that influence the immune system) which play a vital role in cell migration through venules from blood into tissue and vice versa, and in the induction of cell movement in response to a chemical (chemokine) gradient by a process …
What do you mean by chemokine?
: any of a group of cytokines produced by various cells (as at sites of inflammation) that stimulate chemotaxis in white blood cells (such as neutrophils and T cells)
What are two important functions of chemokines?
They are best known for their ability to stimulate the migration of cells, most notably white blood cells (leukocytes). Consequently, chemokines play a central role in the development and homeostasis of the immune system, and are involved in all protective or destructive immune and inflammatory responses.
What do chemokines attract?
The ELR+ chemokines attract primarily neutrophils and are angiogenic, while the ELR− chemokines are angiostatic and attract primarily lymphocytes.
What are examples of chemokines?
Examples of homeostatic chemokines are CCL14, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CXCL12 and CXCL13. Nevertheless, some of them are not exclusive to this function. For instance, CCL20 is also associated with inflammation since it can act as pro-inflammatory chemokine as well.
Is VEGF a chemokine?
VEGF regulates expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, and this VEGF target is needed for invasion but not for cell survival. CXCR4 mediates migration of breast carcinoma cells toward stromal-derived factor-1, and this migration is dependent on autocrine VEGF.
How are chemokines produced?
Chemokines are small peptides that possess potent chemotactic activity for leukocytes and are produced, following stimulation by cytokines or microbial products, by a variety of cells, including leukocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial, endothelial, and other cell types.
Is CCR7 a GPCR?
Function. The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family. This receptor is expressed in various lymphoid tissues and activates B and T lymphocytes. CCR7 has been shown to stimulate dendritic cell maturation.
Is CCR7 on T cells?
In humans, CCR7 has been described as a defining factor for two different types of memory T cells, termed central and effector memory T cells (7). Central memory cells express CCR7 and represent a nonpolarized Ag-experienced cell population that lacks immediate effector cell functions.
How are CXC and CC chemokines related?
There are two major chemokine sub-families based upon the position of cysteine residues, i.e., CXC and CC. All members of the CXC chemokine sub-family have an intervening amino acid between the first two cysteines; members of the CC chemokine sub-family have two adjacent cysteines.
Are there any exceptions to the chemokine family?
Exceptions to these clusters include SDF-1 (a CXC chemokine) on human chromosome 10; MIP-3 alpha, MIP-3 beta, 6Ckine, and TARC (CC chemokines) on human chromosome 2, 9, 9, and 16, respectively. The clustering of chemokine genes suggests that many chemokine family members arose through gene duplication and subsequent divergence.
How are chemokines a family of chemotactic cytokines?
Chemokines, a family of chemotactic cytokines Chemokines are low-molecular-weight proteins that stimulate recruitment of leukocytes. They are secondary pro-inflammatory mediators that are induced by primary pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Why are chemokines an important family of mediators?
The physiologic importance of this family of mediators is derived from their specificity. Unlike the classic leukocyte chemo-attractants, which have little specificity, members of the chemokine family induce recruitment of well-defined leukocyte subsets.
