Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Infectious Disease

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the current concepts of the way host and viral chemokine systems influence the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. It also discusses the evolving technologies for interfering with the chemokine system, particularly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections. The specific effects of chemokines on their target cells are mediated by the members of a family of seven‐transmembrane‐spanning, G‐protein‐coupled receptors. These receptors are the part of a larger family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors, including hormone receptors, neuro-transmitters, paracrine substances, inflammatory mediators, proteinases, photons, and calcium ions. The significance of chemokines and their receptors in infectious diseases, which was initially guessed at because of their ability to induce leukocyte chemotaxis in vitro , is now firmly established. The chemokines and their receptors play a major role in the mediation of leukocyte trafficking to the sites of antigen entry and in T‐cell polarization and they also act as cell‐entry factors for major pathogens such as HIV and Plasmodium vivax . The use of animal models and human genetic variants has unraveled several new members of the chemokine system that are critical for normal homeostasis.