Chemokines and lymphocytes: The role of chemokines and their receptors in the immune system

In the last few years, chemokines have emerged as an important superfamily where importance extends far beyond their most famous function as inflammatory mediators. Indeed, they are important molecules not only in inflammatory responses but also as immunoregulators. Chemokines ensure the continuous recirculation of immune cells among the various anatomical microenvironments, and are essential for maintaining immunological homeostasis. In addition, chemokines also have critical functions in lymphocyte development. In this article, we review the role of chemokines and their receptors in lymphopoiesis, lymphocyte's migration and immune response.