ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses aspects of the biology of the RANTES chemokine. RANTES is a member of the ß chemokine subfamily and was originally identified as an “orphan” cDNA during a general screen for genes expressed by effector T lymphocytes. The quaternary structures of RANTES and macrophage inflammatory protein-ip have been determined by NMR spectroscopy. Most chemokines, including RANTES, readily dimerize. Chemokines also undergo oligomerization at high protein concentrations and neutral pH. Natural killer cells, under certain physiological and pathological conditions, rapidly accumulate in tissues. Chemokines may be essential in this process. Chemokine-mediated release of histamine from basophils and mast cells may be important in the pathogenesis of allergic and inflammatory conditions. Important aspects of inflammatory processes appear to be orchestrated by chemokines. RANTES functions as a chemotactic agent for select subsets of leukocytes. The modulation of chemokine expression or the interactions of the proteins with their receptors may prove important in immunotherapy.
