Role of chemokines for the localization of leukocyte subsets in the kidney

Chemokines comprise a family of structurally related chemotactic proteins. They bind to about 20 corresponding receptors. Chemokines provide a general communication system for cells, and regulate lymphocyte migration under normal (homeostatic) and inflammatory conditions. Chemokines organize microenvironments in lymphoid tissue, lymphoid organogenesis, and participate in vascular and lymphatic angiogenesis. Expressed at the site of injury in the kidney, chemokines are involved in the recruitment of specific leukocyte subsets to particular renal compartments. Here we summarize recent data on chemokine biology with a focus on the role of chemokines in the recruitment of neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes), monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, including regulatory T cells, and B cells in renal inflammation.