The study of chemokines resembles very much the collecting of stamps: some are rare, some are difficult to find, even missing. The goal to obtain a ?complete series? is elusive; once a new addition is defined, another gap becomes apparent. The continuous interaction of many molecular processes inside individual cells as well as between cells themselves is so complex that we are forced to reevaluate our understanding frequently. If an interpretation appears simple, it will mostly end up being untrue: nature itself is an unforgiving judge, but fair and consistent. Chemokines are a group of small proteins that exert their effects through several transmembrane-domain G-protein-coupled receptors; they are involved as chemotactic factors, regulate cell growth, inhibit angiogenesis and promote tumor necrosis: an impressive list of accomplishments.
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