Chemokines represent a family of over 40 small proteins that, for the most part, are secreted into the environment and function by binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are expressed on numerous different cell types. When initially identified close to 30 years ago, these molecules were associated with various human inflammatory diseases and it was recognized that expression may be integral in leukocyte recruitment to inflamed tissue. Within a relatively short period of time, early participants within the field determined that these proteins displayed distinct and conserved structural features and exerted potent chemotactic effects on defined lymphocyte subsets. There are now four sub-families of chemokines identified based on defined structural criteria relating to the positional location of conserved cysteine residues within the amino-terminus of the protein. Chemokines are now recognized as important in numerous biological processes ranging from maintaining the organizational integrity of secondary lymphoid tissue to participating in various aspects of both innate and adaptive immune responses following microbial infection.

The host response to viral infection represents a well-orchestrated ballet consisting of numerous participants with diverse roles in defense but with the ultimate goal of generating virus-specific lymphocytes whose job is to control and eliminate the invading viral pathogen from infected tissues. Over the years, an emerging picture has developed that indicates that chemokines and their receptors are intimately involved in development of effective host responses to viral pathogens. Chemokine expression is now associated with all facets of defense against viral infection including linking innate and adaptive immune responses.

The purpose of Central Nervous System Inflammation and Disease is to provide a succinct and well-organized reference volume focused on inflammatory CNS disease to a wide audience. In particular, this text is comprised of four sections revolving around current areas of interest within the field of neuroimmunology, virology, pharmacology and disease. Sections of this text focus on a specific category of diseases as well as the pharmacological, virological, and immunological effects of and on the disease. For example, this text explores how chemokines affect disease.

Although many have covered this topic, few have broken it down at this level. Each disease is broken down on a variety of scientific levels without getting into the history of the disease. At this level, we believe the targeted audience is familiar with the background information. This approach provides a succinct overview of a specific subject relating to interrelated topics pertaining to neurology, immunology and disease.

Thomas E. Lane is affiliated with University of California, Irvine's Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Monica Carson is affiliated with University of California, Riverside's Department of Biomedical Sciences. Conni Bergmann is affiliated with the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine in the Department of Neurology and Pathology. Tony Wyss-Coray is affiliated with Stanford University School of Medicine in the Departments of Microbiology and Neurology, and Neurological Sciences.