Introduction:

Chemokines are secreted proteins with size in the range of 8-10 kDa, with numerous functions in normal and pathological physiology. The term derives from the words chemotactic cytokines, reflecting its important role in the chemoattraction of leukocytes. However, the evidence shows that chemokines have many other functions such as intercellular communication, cell activation and cell cycle regulation.

Objetive:

To present current knowledge about chemokines and their receptors, and the clinical significance of these in transfusion medicine and transplantation.

Method:

A review of the literature was made, in English and Spanish, through the PubMed website and the Google academic search engine of articles published in the last 10 years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was made.

Developing:

The transcription of most of the chemokine genes is inducible and occurs in response to specific cellular stimuli. Chemokines play an important role in the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for the transplantation and localization of transplanted hematopoietic progenitor cells. In the ABO incompatibility models, the CXC and CC chemokines are produced at high levels.

Conclusions:

There are many opportunities for future research on chemokines in transfusion medicine due to their considerable redundancy and superposition in the biological function of these molecules and their receptors. They are just one part of a much larger and more complex process within the network of cytokines and other molecules of the immune system.

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