Expression of mRNA of chemokines and chemokine receptors and cytokines amount in the blood of healthy volunteers

Background: Chemokines are small proteins that activate immune system in normal and pathological conditions. The induction of chemotaxis is a well-established role of chemokines. Moreover chemokines are important mediators of angiogenesis, implantation of fetus, and maturation of immune cells. In human body many types of cells express chemokines and cytokines at level of gene and protein. In blood cells chemokine and chemokine receptors mRNA level is a one of crucial points of chemokine system condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma concentration of cyto- kines and chemokines/chemokine receptors mRNA level in blood of healthy volunteers. Results: Gene expression of eotaxin, eotaxin-2, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP- 1β, RANTES, CCR1, CCR3, CCR5, CXCR1, and CXCR2 was measured in peripheral blood cells, as well as the concentration of IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, eotaxin, FGF-2, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, PDGF-BB, RANTES, TNF-α, and VEGF was evaluated in the plasma of 19 healthy individuals. We studied rela- tionship between mRNA levels of chemokines/recaptors and cytokine concentration in blood of healthy volunteers. Conclusion: These data are allowed to assess chemokines impact in the cytokine regulation of healthy subjects. These results indicate that chemokines and their receptors is diverse and redundant system of immune reactivity in response to internal and external challenges.

Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: Role of chemokines and chemokine receptors

Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma(CTCL), and is characterized by a clonal expansion of malignant CD4+ T lymphocytes with skinhoming properties. Clinically and pathologically, mycosis fungoides can be categorized into patch, plaque and tumor stages. The clinical course of mycosis fungoides is usually chronic and indolent, but a proportion of patients may develop progressive disease with peripheral blood, lymph node and visceral organ involvement. Sézarysyndrome is an aggressive leukemic form of CTCL characterized by a clonal population of malignant T cells in the peripheral blood. Various forms of skin-directed and systemic treatments are available for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. However, current treatments are generally not curative, and can only control the disease. Currently, the etiology and pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are not well defined. Proposed mechanisms include chronic antigenic stimulation by infectious agents, expression of specific adhesion molecules, altered cytokine production, mutations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and avoidance of apoptosis. In recent years, a number of chemokine receptors and their corresponding chemokine ligands have been found to contribute to the migration and survival of lymphoma cells in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, including CC chemokine receptor 4(CCR4), CCR10, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCR4), CCR7, CCR3 and CXCR3. Since chemokines and chemokine receptors have been found to play important roles in the pathophysiology of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, they may be potentially useful targets for the development of new treatments for these diseases in the future.

CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors in gastric cancer: From basic findings towards therapeutic targeting

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer,and the second-highest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Despite extensive research to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents,patients with advanced gastric cancer suffer from a poor quality of life and poor prognosis,and treatment is dependent mainly on conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.To improve the quality of life and survival of gastric cancer patients,a better understanding of the underlying molecular pathologies,and their application towards the development of novel targeted therapies,is urgently needed.Chemokines are a group of small proteins associated with cytoskeletal rearrangements,the directional migration of several cell types during development and physiology,and the host immune response via interactions with G-protein coupled receptors.There is also growing evidence to suggest that chemokines not only play a role in the immune system,but are also involved in the development and progression of tumors.In gastric cancer,CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors regulate the trafficking of cells in and out of the tumor microenvironment.CXC chemokines and their receptors can also directly influence tumorigenesis by modulating tumor transformation,survival,growth,invasion and metastasis,as well as indirectly by regulating angiogenesis,and tumor-leukocyte interactions.In this review,we will focus on the roles of CXC chemokines and their receptors in the development,progression,and metastasis of gastric tumors,and discuss their therapeutic potential for gastric cancer.

Chemokine Receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR7 and Chemokines CX3CL1 and CCL5 are Significantly Up-Regulated and Very Reliable for Acute Rejection Diagnosis of Kidney Transplants

Background: The allo-immune response following organ transplantation constitutes one of the main determinants concerning both short- and long- term outcomes in renal graft recipients. Chemokines and their receptors play a diversified and important role, either homeostatic or inflammatory and direct different immune-competent cell types to the allograft. While deeply studied in the last two decades, controversy persists as a result of chemokines’ pleiotropic actions. We report our analysis of CCR1, CCR3, CCR7, CCL5 and CX3CL1 expression or synthesis by graft-infiltrating cells in human kidney transplants (KTx). At the same time, we tested their robustness in diagnosing acute rejection. Methods: Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (Fnab) were performed either on days 7 or 14 post-transplantation among stable KTx and on the day of acute rejection (AR) diagnosis. Fnab cytopreparations were studied by the enzymatic avidin-biotin complex staining for CCR1, CCR3, CCR7 and CX3CL1. From another subgroup of cases, Fnab samples were cultured for 48 hours and the supernatants were analysed for CCL5 by ELISA. Results: The group of AR cases showed a significantly up-regulated expression of CCR1, CCR3, CCR7 and CX3CL1 and a significantly higher synthesis of CCL5. The positive predictive values were respectively 92%, 97%, 85%, 76% and 78% and negative predictive values were by the same order, 100%, 73%, 100%, 98% and 83%. Conclusions: Our study permits us to advance that CCR1 and CCR3 play a significant and non-redundant role in acute rejection, and it is the first report of CCR3 association with rejection, probably related to CCL5. The presence inside the graft of significant up-regulation for CCR7 surmises that part of antigen presentation may be performed there without being restricted to secondary lymphoid sites. Our results with CX3CL1 confirm other reports.

Role of chemokines and their receptors in viral persistence and liver damage during chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Chemokines produced in the liver during hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection induce migration of activated T cells from the periphery to infected parenchyma.The milieu of chemokines secreted by infected hepatocytes is predominantly associated with the T-helper cell/Tc1 T cell(Th1/Tc1) response.These chemokines consist of CCL3(macrophage inflammatory protein-1α;MIP-1α),CCL4(MIP-1β),CCL5(regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted;RANTES),CXCL10(interferon-γ-inducible protein-10;IP-10),CXCL11(interferon-inducible T-cell α chemoattractant;I-TAC),and CXCL9(monokine induced by interferon γ;Mig) and they recruit T cells expressing either CCR5 or CXCR3 chemokine receptors.Intrahepatic and peripheral blood levels of these chemokines are increased during chronic hepatitis C.The interaction between chemokines and their receptors is essential in recruiting HCV-specific T cells to control the infection.When the adaptive immune response fails in this task,non-specific T cells without the capacity to control the infection are also recruited to the liver,and these are ultimately responsible for the persistent hepatic damage.The modulation of chemokine receptor expression and chemokine secretion could be a viral escape mechanism to avoid specific T cell migration to the liver during the early phase of infection,and to maintain liver viability during the chronic phase,by impairing non-specific T cell migration.Some chemokines and their receptors correlate with liver damage,and CXCL10(IP-10) and CXCR3 levels have shown a clinical utility as predictors of treatment response outcome.The regulation of chemokines and their receptors could be a future potential therapeutic target to decrease liver inflammation and to increase specific T cell migration to the infected liver.

Chemokines and their receptors play important roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

The chemokine system consists of four different subclasses with over 50 chemokines and 19 receptors. Their functions in the immune system have been well elucidated and research during the last decades unveils their new roles in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). The chemokines and their receptors in the microenvironment influence the development of HCCby several aspects including:inflammation,effects on immune cells,angiogenesis,and direct effects on HCC cells. Regarding these aspects,pre-clinical research by targeting the chemokine system has yielded promising data,and these findings bring us new clues in the chemokine-based therapies for HCC.

Chemokines and their receptors:important mediators to be aware of in neuroregenerative approaches for spinal cord injury

Curative therapy for spinal cord injury （SCI） remains elusive, however identifying options for tailored treatment strategies is in full swing. Like in the brain there are distinct regions in the adult spinal cord that harbor neural progenitor cells （NPCs） （Horner et al., 2000）. This offers the possibility of recruiting these cells in reparative approaches to support endogenous spinal cord regenerative capacities. Hereby, one challenge among many others is to overcome the already re- strictive microenvironment of potential endogenous NPCs, which is considerably akered by ongoing secondary lesion cascades by the initial lesion. Research addressing this aspect identified a plethora of mediators that hinder or promote neuroregeneration where at inflammatory mediators are known to play an essential role.

Chemokines,chemokine receptors and the gastrointestinal system

The biological properties of tumor cells are known to be regulated by a multitude of cytokines and growth factors,which include epidermal growth factor receptor agonists and members of the transforming growth factor β family.Furthermore,the recent explosion of research in the field of chemokine function as mediators of tumor progression has led to the possibility that these small,immunomodulatory proteins also play key roles in carcinogenesis and may,therefore,be potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches.In this review,we will summarize recently reported findings in chemokine biology with a focus on the gastrointestinal tract.

Induction of CXC chemokines in human mesenchymal stem cells by stimulation with secreted frizzled-related proteins through non-canonical Wnt signaling

AIM: To investigate the effect of secreted frizzledrelated proteins(s FRPs) on CXC chemokine expression in human mesenchymal stem cells(h MSCs).METHODS: CXC chemokines such as CXCL5 and CXCL8 are induced in h MSCs during differentiation with osteogenic differentiation medium(OGM) and may be involved in angiogenic stimulation during bone repair. h MSCs were treated with conditioned medium(CM) from L-cells expressing non-canonical Wnt5 a protein, or with control CM from wild type L-cells, or directly with s FRPs for up to 10 d in culture. m RNA expression levels of both CXCL5 and CXCL8 were quantitated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and secreted protein levels of these proteins determined by ELISA. Dose-(0-500 ng/m L) and time-response curves were generated for treatment with s FRP1. Signal transduction pathways were explored by western blot analysis with pan- or phosphorylation-specific antibodies, through use of specific pathway inhibitors, and through use of si RNAs targeting specific frizzled receptors(Fzd)-2 and 5 or thereceptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor-2(Ro R2) prior to treatment with s FRPs. RESULTS: CM from L-cells expressing Wnt5 a, a noncanonical Wnt, stimulated an increase in CXCL5 m RNA expression and protein secretion in comparison to control L-cell CM. s FRP1, which should inhibit both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, surprisingly enhanced the expression of CXCL5 at 7 and 10 d. Dickkopf1, an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling prevented the s FRPstimulated induction of CXCL5 and actually inhibited basal levels of CXCL5 expression at 7 but not at 10 d post treatment. In addition, all four s FRPs isoforms induced CXCL8 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner with maximum expression at 7 d with treatment at 150 ng/m L. The largest increases in CXCL5 expression were seen from stimulation with s FRP1 or s FRP2. Analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the presence of OGM showed s FRP1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)(p44/42) maximally at 5 min after s FRP1 addition, earlier than that found in OGM alone. Addition of a phospholipase C(PLC) inhibitor also prevented s FRPstimulated increases in CXCL8 m RNA. si RNA technology targeting the Fzd-2 and 5 and the non-canonical Fzd co-receptor Ro R2 also significantly decreased s FRP1/2-stimulated CXCL8 m RNA levels.CONCLUSION: CXC chemokine expression in h MSCs is controlled in part by s FRPs signaling through noncanonical Wnt involving Fzd2/5 and the ERK and PLC pathways.

mRNA Expression of Chemokine Receptors on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Correlation with Clinical Features in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Objective To investigate the expressions of chemokine receptors and interleukin （IL） receptors on the peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） patients and their correlations with clinical features as well as SLE disease activity index （SLEDAI）. Methods The mRNA expressions of chemokine receptors and IL receptors on PBMCs of 93 SLE patients and 30 healthy controls were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, including CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR8, CXCR3, CXCR5, CX3CR1, XCR1, IL-4R, and IL-10R. The clinical features of SLE patients were recorded. The correlations of chemokine receptors and IL receptors mRNA expressions with clinical features as well as SLEDAI were assayed using linear regression analysis. Results The level of CCR5 mRNA in SLE patients （including active and inactive SLE） was signifi- cantly higher than that in healthy controls （P〈0.05）, and there was no significant difference between active and inactive patients in this respect （P〉0.05）. CX3CR1 mRNA expression significantly increased from healthy control to inactive SLE to active SLE in sequence. The others （except for CCR8, CXCR3, and IL-1 OR） in active SLE patients weresignificantly higher than those in both inactive SLE patients and healthy controls （all P〈0.05）. There were positive correlations between SLEDAI and CCR2 （r=0.424, t=4.313, P〈0.001）, CCR3 （r=0.518, t=5.410, P〈0.001）, CCR4 （r=0.376, t=3.851, P〈0.001）, CCR6 （r=0.457, t=4.513,P〈0.001）, CXCR5 （r=0.455, t=4.629, P〈0.001）, CX3CR1 （r=0.44-5, t=4.523, P〈0.001）, as well as XCRI （r=0.540, t=5.445, P〈0.001）. And CCR5 mRNA expression level was positively correlated with IL-4R mRNA （r=0.313, t=2.353, P〈0.05）. The patients with myositis and cutaneous vasculitis simultaneously showed lower levels of CCR5 and CX3CRI, and CCR5 expression was negatively correlated with the scores of SLEDAI in SLE cases accompanied by photosensitivity （r=0.426, t=- 2.155, P〈0.05）. Conclusion Increased expressions of CCR5 and CX3CRI on PBMCs may be indicators in clinical survey for SLE.

Role of chemokines in the hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment and their translational value in immunotherapy

The difficulty of early diagnosis,high tumor heterogeneity,and high recurrence and metastasis rates lead to an unsatisfactory treatment status for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).HCC is a typical inflammation-driven tumor.Chronic inflammation allows nascent tumors to escape immunosurveillance.Chemokines are small,soluble,secreted proteins that can regulate the activation and trafficking of immune cells during inflammation.Several studies have shown that various chemokines with overarching functions disrupt the immune microenvironment during the initiation and progression of HCC.The dysregulated chemokine network in HCC contributes to multiple malignant processes,including angiogenesis,tumor proliferation,migration,invasion,tumor low response,and resistance to immune therapy.Here,we summarize the current studies focusing on the role of chemokines and their receptors in the HCC immune microenvironment,highlighting potential translational therapeutic uses for modulating the chemokine system in HCC.

Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors:Their Manifold Roles in Homeostasis and Disease

Chemokines are a superfamily of small proteins that bind to G protein-coupled receptors on target cells and were originally discovered as mediators of directional migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation and injury.In recent years,it has become clear that the function of chemokines extends well beyond the role in leukocyte chemotaxis.They participate in organ development,angiogenesis/angiostasis,leukocyte trafficking and homing,tumorigenesis and metastasis,as well as in immune responses to microbial infection.Therefore, chemokines and their receptors are important targets for modulation of host responses in pathophysiologicai conditions and for therapeutic intervention of human diseases.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2004;1(2): 95-104.

Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):Inhibitory Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Components

Chemokines belong to a large family of inflammatory cytokines responsible for migration and accumulation of leukocytes at inflammatory sites.Over the past decade,accumulating evidence indicated a crucial role for chemokines and chemokine receptors in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).RA is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the synovial tissue is heavily infiltrated by leukocytes.Chemokines play an important role in the infiltration,localization,retention of infiltrating leukocytes and generation of ectopic germinal centers in the inflamed synovium.Recent evidence also suggests that identification of inhibitors directly targeting chemokines or their receptors may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in RA.Traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have a long history in the treatment of inflammatory joint disease.The basis for the clinical benefits of TCM remains largely unclear.Our studies have led to the identification of numerous novel chemokine/chemokine receptor inhibitors present in anti-inflammatory TCMs.All of these inhibitors were previously reported by other researchers to have anti-arthritic effect,which may be attributable,at least in part,to their inhibitory effect on chemokine and/or chemokine receptor.Therefore,identification of agents capable of targeting chemokine/chemokine receptor interactions has suggested a mechanism of action for several TCM components and provided a means of identifying additional anti-RA TCM.Thus,this approach may lead to the discovery of new inhibitors of chemokines or chemokine receptors that can be used to treat diseases associated with inappropriately overactive chemokine mediated inflammatory reactions.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2004;1(5):336-342.

HIV/AIDS患者NK细胞趋化因子受体表达研究

目的:探讨中国HIV/AIDS患者NK细胞表面趋化因子受体CXCR4、CCR5表达情况。方法:采用流式细胞仪分析HIV/AIDS患者外周血NK细胞表面趋化因子受体CCR5和CXCR4的表达。结果:未治疗典型HIV/AIDS患者NK细胞表面趋化因子受体CXCR4和CCR5与正常对照无显著差异(P >0 0 5 ) ,HIV长期不进展者NK细胞CCR5受体低于未治疗的典型HIV/AIDS患者(P <0 0 5 ) ,与正常对照相比无显著差异(P =0 0 5 ) ;HAART治疗组NK细胞趋化因子受体CCR5表达显著低于未治疗典型HIV/AIDS患者(P <0 0 1)。结论:趋化因子受体CCR5在NK细胞上表达的变化与疾病的不同阶段密切相连。

化学趋化因子受体在HIV感染中的作用及其在AIDS治疗中的应用价值

化学趋化因子受体作为协同受体，为人免疫缺陷病毒（ＨＩＶ－１）进入细胞所必需。其中ＣＸＣＲ４被亲Ｔ细胞的病毒株利用，而ＣＣＲ５被亲巨噬细胞的病毒株利用，它们是大多数病毒株利用的协同受体。协同受体和ＣＤ４一起形成复合受体，ｇｐ１２０与之结合后发生构象改变，使ｇｐ４１暴露出来；引起膜的融合。ＨＩＶ协同受体的发现为治疗艾滋病开辟了新的途径。利用趋化因子拮抗剂、单克隆抗体和天然配体封闭趋化因子受体可阻止ＨＩＶ的感染；化学趋化因子受体可以用作靶向蛋白将杀伤性基因导入ＨＩＶ－１感染的细胞；有ＨＩＶ抗性的ＣＣＲ５等位基因可以通过ｅｘ ｖｉｖｏ法在体内表达；此外，通过基因操作阻止趋化因子受体的表达；也能抑制ＨＩＶ的感染。

CXCR5、sPD-1、Hcy在AIDS患者治疗过程中的动态变化及临床意义

目的探讨获得性免疫缺陷综合征(AIDS)患者抗逆转录病毒治疗(ART)过程中血清趋化因子受体5(CXCR5)、可溶性程序性细胞死亡受体-1(sPD-1)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)的变化及临床意义。方法选取AIDS患者120例(AIDS组),分别在AIDS患者治疗前1 d及治疗后3、6、12个月检测其人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)-1载量、CD4+T细胞绝对数及CXCR5、sPD-1、Hcy、血脂[三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)]水平;以体检健康者45名作为正常对照组。采用Pearson相关分析评估各项指标与CD4+T细胞绝对数、HIV-1载量的相关性。结果AIDS组治疗前sPD-1和Hcy水平均显著高于正常对照组(P<0.01),CXCR5、CD4+T细胞绝对数均显著低于正常对照组(P<0.01)。与治疗前比较,随着ART时间的延长,AIDS患者CD4+T细胞绝对数、CXCR5水平均显著升高(P<0.05),在治疗6个月时达到峰值;Hcy、TC、TG、LDL-C在治疗12个月时显著升高(P<0.05);HDL-C无变化;治疗3个月时HIV-1载量开始降低(P<0.05),治疗6个月时降低更为显著(P<0.05);治疗12个月时血清sPD-1水平显著降低(P<0.05)。Pearson相关分析结果显示,CD4+T细胞绝对数与CXCR5、Hcy水平均呈正相关(r值分别为0.192、0.401,P<0.05),与sPD-1呈负相关(r=-0.708,P<0.05);HIV-1载量与CXCR5、Hcy均呈负相关(r值分别为-0.682、-0.318,P<0.05),与sPD-1呈正相关(r=0.368,P<0.05)。结论动态监测AIDS患者ART过程中CD4+T细胞绝对数、HIV-1载量、CXCR5、sPD-1、Hcy和血脂的变化,有助于及时了解HIV感染的进展情况。

The chemokines CXCL8 and CXCL12:molecular and functional properties,role in disease and efforts towards pharmacological intervention

Chemokines are an indispensable component of our immune system through the regulation of directional migration and activation of leukocytes.CxCL8 is the most potent human neutrophil-attracting chemokine and plays crucial roles in the response to infection and tissue injury.CXCL8 activity inherently depends on interaction with the human CXC chemokine receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2,the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR1,and glycosaminoglycans.Furthermore,(hetero)dimerization and tight regulation of transcription and translation,as well as post-translational modifications further fine-tune the spatial and temporal activity of CXCL8 in the context of inflammatory diseases and cancer.The CxCL8 interaction with receptors and glycosaminoglycans is therefore a promising target for therapy,as illustrated by multiple ongoing clinical trials.CXCL8-mediated neutrophil mobilization to blood is directly opposed by CXCL12,which retains leukocytes in bone marrow.CXCL12 is primarily a homeostatic chemokine that induces migration and activation of hematopoietic progenitor cells,endothelial cells,and several leukocytes through interaction with CXCR4,ACKR1,and ACKR3.Thereby,it is an essential player in the regulation of embryogenesis,hematopoiesis,and angiogenesis.However,CXCL12 can also exert inflammatory functions,as illustrated by its pivotal role in a growing list of pathologies and its synergy with CXCL8 and other chemokines to induce leukocyte chemotaxis.Here,we review the plethora of information on the CXCL8 structure,interaction with receptors and glycosaminoglycans,different levels of activity regulation,role in homeostasis and disease,and therapeutic prospects.Finally,we discuss recent research on CXCL12 biochemistry and biology and its role in pathology and pharmacology.

C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 pathway as a therapeutic target and regulatory mechanism for spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.

The role of chemokines in acute and chronic hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C imposes a significant burden on global healthcare. Chronic infection is associated with progressive inflammation of the liver which typically manifests in cirrhosis, organ failure and cancer. By virtue of elaborate evasion strategies, hepatitis C virus （HCV） succeeds as a persistent human virus. It has an extraordinary capacity to subvert the immune response enabling it to establish chronic infections and associated liver disease. Chemokines are low molecular weight chemotactic peptides that mediate the recruitment of inflammatory cells into tissues and back into the lymphatics and peripheral blood. Thus, they are central to the temporal and spatial distribution of effector and regulatory immune cells. The interactions between chemokines and their cognate receptors help shape the immune response and therefore, have a major influence on the outcome of infection. However, chemokines represent a target for modulation by viruses including the HCV. HCV is known to modulate chemokine expression in vitro and may therefore enable its survival by subverting the immune response in vivo through altered leukocyte chemotaxis resulting in impaired viral clearance and the establishment of chronic low-grade inflammation. In this review, the roles of chemokines in acute and chronic HCV infection are described with a particular emphasis placed on chemokine modulation as a means of immune subversion. We provide an in depth discussion of the part played by chemokines in mediating hepatic fibrosis while addressing the potential applications for these chemoattractants in prognostic medicine.

Expression of chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5 and CXCR3 on CD4^＋ T cells in CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model, selectively induced by IL-4 and IL-10, regulates the embryo resorption rate

Background Chemokines and their receptors have been a research focus in transplantation immunology. Chemokines and their receptors play a role in lymphocyte recruitment and differentiation process. This study aimed to observe whether IL-4 and IL-10 may regulate the expression of chemokine receptors CCR3, CCR5 and CXCR3 on CD4^＋ T cells in CBA/J×DBA/2 mouse model and to explore the role of CCR3, CCR5, CXCR3 in immune tolerance in pregnancy. Methods The mouse model of spontaneous abortion （CBA/J×DBA/2） and the normal pregnant mouse model （CBA/J×BALB/c） were used. CBA/J×DBA/2 mice were injected with IL-4 （CBA/J×DBA/2-IL-4）, IL-4 and IL-10 （CBA/J×DBA/2-IL-4＋IL-10）, or normal saline （CBA/J×DBA/2-NS） as a control. The expression of CCR3, CCR5 and CXCR3 on CD4^＋ T cells from mouse peripheral blood was measured by the double-labelled FCM method, and the embryo resorption rate was also examined. Results The embryo resorption rate in the CBA/J×DBA/2 group without any treatment was significantly higher than that in the CBA/J×BALB/c group （17.9% vs 3.7%, P 〈0.01）. The embryo resorption rate in the CBA/J×DBA/2 group immunized with IL-4 or IL-4 together with IL-10 was significantly decreased, compared with that in the control and NS groups respectively. CCR3 expression on CD4^＋ T cells in the CBA/J×DBA/2 group without any treatment was significantly lower than that in the CBA/J×BALB/c group （0.3738±0.3575 vs 1.2190±0.2772, P 〈0.01）; both CCR5 （3.0900±1.5603 vs 1.2390±0.6361, P〈0.01） and CXCR3 （2.4715±0.9074 vs 0.9200±0.5585, P 〈0.01） expressions on CD4^＋ T cells of the CBA/J×DBA/2 group without any treatment were significantly higher than those of the CBA/J×BALB/c group. Significant up-regulation of CCR3 and down-regulation of CXCR3 were found in the CBA/J×DBA/2 group treated with IL-4 （CCR3： 2.0360±0.6944, CXCR3： 1.3510±0.5263, P〈0.01） or IL-4 and IL-10 （CCR3： 1.8160±1.0947, CXCR3：1.0940±0.7168, P〈0.01）. Because of the CCR5, IL-4 and IL-10 （1.9400±0.8504 vs 3.0900±1.5603, P 〈0.05）, but IL-4 alone （2.5310±1.3595 vs 3.0900±1.5603, P 〉0.05） treatment significantly decreased the expression of CCR5 in CBA/J×DBA/2. Conclusions The abnormal expression of CCR3, CCR5 and CXCR3 on CD4^＋ T cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous abortion. The pregnancy immune tolerance may be induced through selective induction of CCR3, CCR5 and CXCR3 expressions by IL-4 together with IL-10.