Chemokines constitute a large family of structurally similar cytokines that contain a signature
of conserved cysteine residues joined by disulfide bridges. Binding of chemokines to specific G
protein-coupled receptors followed by downstream signaling defines their biological function.
Initially chemoattraction was the key function linked to chemokines chemokine receptors
however in recent years it has become clear that chemokine ligand-receptor interactions can
also modulate cellular activation survival and proliferation among other functions in
homeostatic and diseased states. Importantly major advances in our understanding of chemokine
biology have led to chemokine receptors becoming specific therapeutic targets with great
potential. In Chemokines: Methods and Protocols expert researchers provide practical
information regarding experimental models and state of the art protocols used to delineate
chemokine chemokine receptor function and their applications in health and disease. Written in
the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format chapters include
introductions to their respective topics lists of the necessary materials and reagents
step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and
avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and easy to use Chemokines: Methods and Protocols aims to
reveal key protocols of functional and descriptive chemokine ligand receptor assays that will
be of practical significance to graduate students post-doctoral fellows trainees and
researchers in academia and industry.
