Chemokines

It is now well appreciated that chemokines play a fundamental role in various aspects of CVDs (Figure). Although numerous features of chemokine biology in relation to CVD remain to be elucidated, recent studies including those published i ATVB and highlighted herein have substantially contributed to our current knowledge on chemokines. Furthermore, these new insights opened up several new lines of research opportunities toward developing chemokine-based therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on further elucidating these therapeutic options for various chemokines and receptor axes, in particular, taking into account potential interactions between different protagonists and mechanisms, which may give rise to increased efficacy but may also affect unwanted side effects. Only if these are sufficiently scrutinized, interference with chemokines or their receptors may fulfil the promise that it continues to hold.