Chemokine receptor antagonism as a new therapy for multiple sclerosis

New information about the role of tissue inflammation in the pathogenesis o f multiple sclerosis (MS) has driven a search for effective and specific th erapeutics that address leukocyte trafficking. These developments in unders tanding MS are complemented by advances in clarifying the molecular mechani sms of leukocyte extravasation and providing the knowledge base needed to m odulate tissue inflammation. Of particular interest are the chemokines and their receptors. Chemokines constitute a large family of chemoattractant pe ptides that regulate the vast spectrum of leukocyte migration events. This review discusses MS and proposes that identifying the chemokines and recept ors involved in the inflammation associated with this disorder may lead to therapeutic intervention.