Update on the role of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Liver Fibrosis

Chemokines play a critical role in cell migration and activation through binding to G-protein coupled cell -surface receptors with seven transmembrane domains. Chemokines are subdivided into four superfamilies including the CC, the CXC, the CX3C and the C families and the receptors of chemokines also segregate into four families including the CCR, CXCR, CX3CR and XCR families. Most chemokine receptors can bind to more than one chemokine and some chemokines also can bind to more than one receptor. There is ligand-receptor restriction during the binding of chemokines and special receptors. Interaction between chemokines and their receptors exerts a critical role in liver fibrogenesis through recruiting a variety of inflammatory cells into injured liver. The roles of chemokines including the CC, CXC and CX3C families on liver inflammation and fibrosis were described by the Wasmuth HE team ten years ago. Abundant evidence for pro-fibrotic or anti-fibrotic roles of chemokines and their receptors in liver fibrosis has been provided in the past decade. This paper is drawing on new evidence that has come up over the past 10 years, and uses that evidence to advance the understanding of chemokines' roles.