Chemokines and Chemokine receptors in collagen diseases
Kawasaki, S.; Matsushima, K.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 57(2): 278-282
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 10077991 Document Number: 504217
The chemokine is a new class of cytokine. Now, more than 30 members of chemokine superfamily and 15 members of chemokine receptors (CXCR1-4, CCR1-8, CX3CR, CCR) have been identified. They were shown to be involved in the inflammatory response. The chemokine is classified into four subgroups (CXC, CC, C and CX3C). The local production of IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES in rheumatoid inflamed joints has been reported. The predominance of several chemokines in other collagen diseases, such as SLE, systemic sclerosis and myositis is also described. Therefore, the inhibition of chemokines or chemokine receptors might be novel targets for various human disease, including collagen diseases.