Dictionary > Chemokine

Chemokine

Definition
noun, plural: chemokines
A chemotactic cytokine released by cells to function in chemotaxis, inflammation, and angiogenesis
Supplement
Chemokines belong to a class of pro-inflammatory cytokines that have the ability to attract and activate leukocytes. Their name is derived from chemotactic cytokines” based on their ability to induce and mediate chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Formerly, they were called SIS family of cytokines, SIG family of cytokines, SCY family of cytokines, Platelet factor-4 superfamily or intercrines”.
Chemokines can be divided into at least four structural branches: c (chemokines, c), cc (chemokines, cc), cx3c (chemokines, cx3c), and cxc (chemokines, cxc). The classification is according to the variations in a shared cysteine motif.
Chemokines may also be classified based on their functions. Homeostatic chemokines are chemokines that are responsible for basal leukocyte migration. Examples of homeostatic chemokines are CCL14, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CXCL12 and CXCL13. Nevertheless, some of them are not exclusive to this function. For instance, CCL20 is also associated with inflammation since it can act as pro-inflammatory chemokine as well. The inflammatory cytokines are those produced during pathologic conditions, particularly during the inflammatory phase. Examples of chemokines that carry such function include CXCL-8, CCL2, CCL3, CCL11, and CXCL10.
Synonym(s):

  • cytochemokine

See also:

  • cytokine
  • Kupffer cell
  • Receptors cxcr4
  • Receptors ccr5
  • chemotaxis
  • leukocyte
  • Related term(s):

    • Receptors chemokine


    You will also like...

    An artistic depiction of a human embryo
    Growth and Development of a Human Baby

    Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

    bryophyte - sporophyte and gametophyte
    Meiosis and Alternation of Generations

    Plants are characterized by having alternation of generations in their life cycles. This tutorial is a review of plant m..

    Human gastrointestinal tract
    Human Biology – Food and Digestion

    This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

    human brain structure
    The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

    This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

    Cell Biology
    Cell Biology

    The cell is defined as the fundamental, functional unit of life. Some organisms are comprised of only one cell whereas o..

    Biosecurity and Biocontrol
    Biosecurity and Biocontrol

    This lesson explores the impact of biosecurity threats, and why they need to be identified and managed. Examples to incl..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics