The chemokine system: redundancy for robust outputs

Immunol Today. 1999 Jun;20(6):254-7. doi: 10.1016/s0167-5699(99)01469-3.

Abstract

Chemokines are redundant in their action on target cells and promiscuous in receptor usage. Moreover, certain cells concomitantly produce several chemokines with an overlapping spectrum of action. Here, Alberto Mantovani argues that such robustness provides a conceptual framework to understand these intriguing aspects of the chemokine system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Chemokines / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / chemistry
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Phagocytosis / immunology
  • Receptors, Chemokine / metabolism

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • Receptors, Chemokine