ChemoCentryx: Targeting chemokines

Chemokines were originally discovered as co-receptors for the HIV virus. But they have a more fundamental role, regulating trafficking of immune cells and controlling inflammatory responses. But the complicated nature of the chemokine system poses challenges to companies trying to exploit these functions. ChemoCentryx Inc. has devised technology to elucidate the role of the various chemokines for use in drug development.

There are 55 discrete genes known for chemokine ligands, and 24 known G protein-coupled receptors for chemokines, said Thomas Schall, founder, president and CEO, whose laboratories were involved in the discovery or co-discovery of almost one-third of all known chemokine receptors. ...