The Interleukin-8-receptor Family: from Chemokines to Malaria

The interleukin 8 (IL-8)-receptor family includes two specific receptors (type A and B) that both bind IL-8 with high affinity. These receptors have been cloned, and belong to a superfamily of G-protein-linked receptors that signal in response to IL-8 on a variety of cell types. In contrast to these receptors, which have a narrow ligand-binding profile, a promiscuous IL-8 receptor has been found on human erythrocytes that binds a variety of chemokines with high affinity. This protein, known as the chemokine receptor, was recently shown to bind the malarial parasite Plasmodium vivax, and may play a major role in inflammation by limiting the concentration of soluble chemokines in the circulation.