Leukotaxin

Leukotaxins are a group of biologically active substances that are produced by white blood cells (cells of the immune system) in response to tissue damage or infection. These proteins are involved in the activation of other cells of the immune system and contribute to the development of the inflammatory response.

Leukotaxins can be both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. Proinflammatory leukotaxins, such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, play an important role in the development of inflammatory responses and the body's defense against infection. Anti-inflammatory leukotaxins, such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-6, suppress inflammatory processes and promote tissue repair.

In the body, leukotaxins perform various functions, including regulation of cytokine levels, control of the immune response, maintenance of homeostasis, and participation in the development of autoimmune diseases. However, when leukotaxins are used in excess and improperly used, negative health effects such as inflammation and tissue damage can occur.

One of the best known leukotaxins is tumor necrosis factor (TNF). This protein plays an important role in regulating the immune response and the development of inflammation. TNF can cause cell destruction, which leads to the development of inflammatory processes and tissue necrosis. TNF is also involved in the regulation of the immune system, promoting the activation of T cells and macrophages.

Another example of a leukotaxin is interleukin 1 (IL-1). IL-1 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine protein that plays a key role in the activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes. IL-1 is also involved in the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Drugs that block the action of leukotaxins are used to treat inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders. These may be monoclonal antibodies that bind to leukotaxin receptors and interfere with their activity.

Leukotaxins are biologically active substances that are produced by leukocytes during their activation and contain a polypeptide part and a lipid (fat) component. Depending on the structure of the lipid component and its similarity with different mediators on different receptors, leukotaxins can be analogues of a number of chemical compounds included in the group of universal inflammatory mediators. In this case, leukotoxic effects can be expressed by a number of various biochemical, immunobiological and morphological changes in the body (Fig. 3)

***The main feature of leukotaxins is the ability to change the functional state of any cell in the body, except for specialized cells of the immune system (lymphoid, macrophage, as well as tissues performing the immune function). Due to this, leukotaxins are able to play an important role in the initiation, maintenance and completion of inflammatory and immune reactions induced by anti-inflammatory substances.

Leukotaxins are factors that can influence the behavior of white blood cells and other cells of the immune system by affecting their metabolism, cell-cell interactions and function. In this context, leukotaxins are considered to be potent stimulators or inhibitors of leukocyte migration. Leukocyte leukotoxins were the first discovered representatives of chemical factors capable of initiating these reactions in animals and humans; they were detected within 4 hours of illness or administration of foreign substances.

Leukotactic agents are divided into two classes - nonspecific and specific. Nonspecific stimulate the migration of various leukocytes without prior identification, but do not have the ability to change their functions. Specific, on the contrary, stimulate the migration of only one type of leukocyte under the influence of the corresponding antigen, for example, a component of the host tissue.