Summary
Compelling evidence implicates chemokines in the induction of leukocyte emigration
from blood into tissues.This arguably most fundamental effect of chemokines is accomplished
by triggering cognate classical G-protein-coupled chemokine receptors on the leukocyte
surface. In vitro, these same receptors mediate leukocyte migration; however, the mechanisms of chemokine-induced
migration differ between in-vivo and in-vitro settings. Leukocyte egress from blood
is greatly influenced by haemodynamic conditions and requires full cooperation of
endothelial cells.The behaviour of chemokines in their“native habitat” in vivo is controlled by their interaction with several accessory molecules which influence
immobilisation, transport, clearance and degradation of chemokines and thereby determine
the sites and duration of their action. Here we discuss peculiarities of the invivo
actions of chemokines,the mechanisms of chemokine interaction with receptors and auxiliary
molecules including interceptors, glycosaminoglycans and enzymes and illustrate how
these interactions influence the outcome of chemokine activities in vivo.
Keywords
Receptor - interceptor - decoy - leukocyte - emigration