The authors present a review of chemokines and chemokine receptors in particular from the aspect of their composition, function and some other specific properties. It is a rapidly expanding group of molecules which affect the chemotaxis of different cells, in particular with an immune character. The authors mention other possible effects of chemokines, e.g. activation of the target cells or the effect on angiogenesis. The authors discuss above all the participation of chemokines and their receptors on the development of inflammation. They also deal with the position of chemokines in the cascade of cytokines from the aspect of regulation of formation and mutual interaction. Finally they mention the differentiated expression of chemokine receptors and its participation in the possible composition of the inflammatory infiltrate.

        Key words: chemokines, chemokine receptors, adhesion molecules, angiogenesis