The role of chemokines and their receptors in uveitis

T-cell-dependent immunological events are increasingly being regarded as extremely important in the pathogenesis of uveitis. Several studies have also shown that macrophages are major effectors of tissue damage in uveitis. Neutrophils are also thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease. Chemokines are a superfamily of 8 to 10-kDa secreted proteins that direct the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation. The specific biological effects of chemokines are mediated by a family of seven transmembrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptors. Recent studies of animals and humans suggest that chemokines and their receptors play a key role in leukocyte recruitment into the eye in uveitis. A strategy for blocking chemokines or chemokine receptors could be a new approach for treatment of uveitis.