The chemokine system in neuroinflammation: an update

Abstract

Chemokines and their receptors govern physiologic and pathologic leukocyte trafficking. The function of the chemokine system may be of particular interest for hematogenous leukocyte infiltration of the central nervous system (CNS) because of the distinct character of CNS inflammation and the exquisite specificity with which the chemokine system regulates cellular migration events. This review summarizes recent information about the expression and function of elements of the chemokine system in CNS inflammatory processes. Animal models of CNS demyelinating disease and the corresponding human disorder, multiple sclerosis are both considered.