Abstract
Chemokines are best known for their classic leukocyte chemotactic activity, which is critical for directing the immune response to sites of infection and injury. However, recent studies have suggested that at least some chemokines may also interfere with infectious agents directly. Antimicrobial chemokines tend to contain amphipathic alpha helical secondary structure, and broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Conversely, several bacteria have been identified that possess mechanisms for specifically blocking the antimicrobial activities of chemokines. Although the precise mechanisms by which chemokines and microbes disarm one another in vitro remain unknown, there is now emerging evidence in vivo that such interactions may be biologically significant. More research will be needed to determine whether chemokines with direct antimicrobial activity may be translated into a novel class of antibiotics.
Highlights
Chemokines comprise a family of phylogenetically related, small proteins whose main shared function is to recruit leukocytes to sites of inflammation and infection (Murphy, 2008)
Chemokines are best known for their classic leukocyte chemotactic activity, which is critical for directing the immune response to sites of infection and injury
More research will be needed to determine whether chemokines with direct antimicrobial activity may be translated into a novel class of antibiotics
Summary
Chemokines are best known for their classic leukocyte chemotactic activity, which is critical for directing the immune response to sites of infection and injury. Recent studies have suggested that at least some chemokines may interfere with infectious agents directly. Antimicrobial chemokines tend to contain amphipathic alpha helical secondary structure, and broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Several bacteria have been identified that possess mechanisms for blocking the antimicrobial activities of chemokines. The precise mechanisms by which chemokines and microbes disarm one another in vitro remain unknown, there is emerging evidence in vivo that such interactions may be biologically significant. More research will be needed to determine whether chemokines with direct antimicrobial activity may be translated into a novel class of antibiotics
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have