Chemokines--a new family of cytokines regulating leukocyte migration

A new group of cytokins, having the properties of chemoattractants and named "chemokins", has been characterized. These structurally related low-molecular proteins (8-10 kD) with 20-90% homology in amino acids contain 4 conservative disulfide-linked cysteins whose location determines which of the groups (CXC, CC, C) they belong to. Chemokins regulate the migratory activity of all types of leukocytic cells. Target cells are affected by chemokins through specific receptors (at least 9 types) of the rhodopsin family, including 7 transmembrane domains. Chemokins play an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases, especially those of inflammatory nature. Some chemokins (RANTES, MIP-1) and their receptors are linked with the development of HIV infection. Chemokins serve as the basis of medicinal preparations, blocking or enhancing the migratory activity of leukocytes. Our newly developed preparation, based on a complex of natural cytokins, induces, when used locally, the influx of neutrophils and macrophages to the zone of tissue destruction, acting as chemokins.