n. any one of a group of small proteins that guide leucocytes to sites of infection and are vital for immune function. They fall into two main classes, CC chemokines and CXC chemokines; receptors (denoted R) are named after the class that bind to them, and subtypes of each class are indicated by numbers (e.g. CCR5).
n. an *antiretroviral drug (ARV) used, in combination with other ARVs, for treating refractory HIV infection. It acts by binding to and antagonizing CCR5, a receptor for a class of *chemokines on the host cell needed by some HIV viruses to enter the cell. Side-effects include gastrointestinal upsets, cough, and dizziness.... maraviroc
n. the activation of normal fibroblasts that occurs if they cluster and make cell-to-cell contact. This induces the production of *chemokines, *growth factors, enzymes, etc., which can influence cancer cells and inflammation. It leads to programmed cell death (see apoptosis).... nemosis
Health Encyclopedia