Chemokines
Definition
Chemokines are a type of small protein involved in immune responses. They help guide the movement of immune cells to sites where they are needed, such as areas of inflammation or infection.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Chemokines are a subset of cytokines, which are small signaling proteins that modulate the immune response by directing the migration of leukocytes. They achieve this by interacting with specific receptors on the cell surface, leading to the activation and recruitment of immune cells to sites of infection, inflammation, or injury.
Benefits
- Facilitate the body's immune response by directing white blood cells to sites of infection or inflammation.
- Play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of immune homeostasis.
- Involved in wound healing processes.
Examples
- Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine that attracts neutrophils to sites of infection.
- Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which recruits monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to sites of tissue injury and infection.
Additional Information
- Effects: Chemokines have a significant impact on directing the migration of immune cells throughout the body. They play roles in inflammatory responses, immune surveillance, and development of lymphoid tissues.
Related Terms
Last updated: 10/26/2024