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Zusammenfassung: Chemokines are a family of approximately 50 proteins that differ from other cytokines in that they act on G protein-coupled seven transmembrane (7TM) spanning receptors. Their principal role is to direct leukocyte trafficking in the body, and they are thus pivotal to development and the establishment of the immune system. However their excessive activity results in the establishment of inflammation. Through studies in animal models using tools such as genetically modified mice, neutralizing antibodies and receptor antagonists, they have been shown to play a role in diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disorder and arthritis, as well as many others. They are also involved in diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases such as AIDS, where they play a role beyond inflammation. Their involvement in the CNS and in apoptosis also demonstrates activity beyond cell recruitment. Since 7TM receptors are one of the cornerstones for drug discovery, they provide a very attractive target for therapeutic intervention, and programs are now moving into the clinic, with the first approval by the FDA achieved in 2007. They are also suitable targets for biological therapeutics, and again monoclonal antibodies are currently being tested in clinical trials.

Zusammenfassung: World Congress of Cellular and Molecular Biology