Receptors, signal transduction, and spectrum of action of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and related chemokines

Chemokines are a bipartite family of chemotactic proteins that bear the structural hallmark of four cysteine residues, the first two of which are in tandem. The spectrum of action of C-C chemokines, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-2, and MCP-3, in particular, encompasses, in addition to monocytes, other leukocyte populations. Evidence is presented that MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3 are active on natural killer cells. Available information on receptor usage by MCP-1 and related chemokines and signal transduction pathways is reviewed. A better understanding of signaling mechanisms will provide a new basis for therapeutic strategies.