Humana Chemokine Protocols: 138 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 138)

The chemokines family of small proteins are involved in numerous b- logical processes ranging from hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and basal l- kocyte trafficking to the extravasation and tissue infiltration of leukocytes in response to inflammatory agents, tissue damage, and bacterial or viral infection. Chemokines exert their effects through a family of seven G-protein coupled transmembrane receptors. Worldwide interest in the chemokine field surged dramatically early in 1996, with the finding that certain chemokine receptors were the elusive coreceptors, required along with CD4, for HIV infection. Today, though over 40 human chemokines have been described, the n- ber of chemokine receptors lags behind―only 17 human chemokine receptors have been identified so far. What has emerged over the years is that most chemokine receptors bind several distinct ligands, and indeed the majority of chemokines are able to bind to multiple chemokine receptors, explaining to some extent the apparent disparity in the numbers of chemokines and rec- tors. Yet in spite of the apparent redundancy in chemokine/chemokine rec- tor interactions, it is clear that in vivo, spatial, temporal, and indeed cell- and tissue-specific expression of both chemokines and their receptors are imp- tant factors in determining the precise nature of cellular infiltrates in phy- ological and pathological processes. Review highly recommended...Seldom does on find so much valuable information, concisely presented and with such obvious potential for the future, made available in one volume." - E-Streams "...Chemokine Protocols is a collection of clear, well written protocols and I would recommend it as an excellent starting point for any scientist with an interest in chemokines." - Molecular Biotechnology From the Back Cover In the past decade research has established the biological importance of chemokines: they play a major role in leukocyte trafficking, in the recruitment of leukocytes to inflammatory sites, and are coreceptors along with CD4 for HIV cell entry. In Chemokine Protocols, expert investigators describe in detail important techniques usedchemokine biology. Covering both ligands and receptors, these readily reproducible methods cover all aspects of chemokine research, ranging from the cloning and characterization of chemokines and their receptors, through the use of animal models to study chemokine function in vivo. Each method also includes relevant background information, as well as providing a useful bibliography that renders the study of chemokines accessible at all levels of experience. Comprehensive and highly practical, Chemokine Protocols offers experimental and clinical chemokine researchers today's gold-standard collection of proven methods for analyzing this biologically ubiquitous and important class of proteins.