Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Roles for Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors

Chemokine receptors are G-protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane-spanning surface receptors that play key roles in cell trafficking, cell motility, and survival. These receptors are activated by small molecular weight chemotactic cytokines called chemokines. Chemokine receptors play roles in the migration and localization of normal T cells (and other leukocytes) during physiological responses in inflamed or infected skin. In cancer cells, these receptors may also facilitate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to immune-mediated killing. This review will focus on recent data that reveal potential roles of specific chemokine receptors, including CCR4, CXCR4, and CCR10, in the pathophysiology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, including mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.