The chemokines family of small proteins are involved in numerous b- logical processes ranging from hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and basal l- kocyte trafficking to the extravasation and tissue infiltration of leukocytes in response to inflammatory agents, tissue damage, and bacterial or viral infection. Chemokines exert their effects through a family of seven G-protein coupled transmembrane receptors. Worldwide interest in the chemokine field surged dramatically early in 1996, with the finding that certain chemokine receptors were the elusive coreceptors, required along with CD4, for HIV infection. Today, though over 40 human chemokines have been described, the n- ber of chemokine receptors lags behind-only 17 human chemokine receptors have been identified so far. What has emerged over the years is that most chemokine receptors bind several distinct ligands, and indeed the majority of chemokines are able to bind to multiple chemokine receptors, explaining to some extent the apparent disparity in the numbers of chemokines and rec- tors. Yet in spite of the apparent redundancy in chemokine/chemokine rec- tor interactions, it is clear that in vivo, spatial, temporal, and indeed cell- and tissue-specific expression of both chemokines and their receptors are imp- tant factors in determining the precise nature of cellular infiltrates in phy- ological and pathological processes.

The chemokines family of small proteins are involved in numerous b- logical processes ranging from hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and basal l- kocyte trafficking to the extravasation and tissue infiltration of leukocytes in response to inflammatory agents, tissue damage, and bacterial or viral infection. Chemokines exert their effects through a family of seven G-protein coupled transmembrane receptors. Worldwide interest in the chemokine field surged dramatically early in 1996, with the finding that certain chemokine receptors were the elusive coreceptors, required along with CD4, for HIV infection. Today, though over 40 human chemokines have been described, the n- ber of chemokine receptors lags behind-only 17 human chemokine receptors have been identified so far. What has emerged over the years is that most chemokine receptors bind several distinct ligands, and indeed the majority of chemokines are able to bind to multiple chemokine receptors, explaining to some extent the apparent disparity in the numbers of chemokines and rec- tors. Yet in spite of the apparent redundancy in chemokine/chemokine rec- tor interactions, it is clear that in vivo, spatial, temporal, and indeed cell- and tissue-specific expression of both chemokines and their receptors are imp- tant factors in determining the precise nature of cellular infiltrates in phy- ological and pathological processes.

On reading THE ABDUCTION OF EMILY BYRNE by prize-winning writer, CHRISTINE POWER, LEIGH RUSSELL (author of the popular DI Geraldine Steel Series), commented: "A very well-written novel." ..".has a terrific cast of characters." "Excellent scene setting ... so evocative of those times." Oblivious to wild brambles tearing at her skin, a young woman staggers down the mountainside. In the dark, she searches desperately for the canoe into which, blindfolded, she was brought to this remote hideaway in the wilderness. Emily Byrne's ordeals begin in 1858 when the tiny settlements of New Caledonia are invaded. Deluded by San Franciscan newspaper reports of gold nuggets 'plucked from the Fraser River by hand, ' tens of thousands arrive in Fort Victoria. One of them is a widow in black, Mrs Angelica Thomas. Beautiful and mysterious, she is wanted and hunted in several states of America, for murder. Emily, unhappy and angry with her parents, has decided to run away from home. She has eyes only for the Royal Engineer, Jamie Ryder, whose assurances of love have led her to believe that he will marry and protect her. Meanwhile, she spurns the attentions of the half-breed, Red. Determined to follow the lieutenant up the mighty Fraser River, she is drawn closer and closer to slavery in a den of depravity.