The Chemokine System in Orchestrating Cell Migration and Positioning in Health and Disease

Precise cell positioning in space and time is fundamental for organ development, immunity and inflammatory responses. Chemotactic cytokines, chemokines, comprise a family of nearly 50 structurally homologous small, secreted proteins that efficiently induce cell migration leading to their correct localization in tissues. Cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit chemokine signals while dynamic distribution patterns and local gradients of chemokines convey essential guidance cues along which cells migrate and orient. Notably, a subfamily of atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs) has been delineated from GPCRs based on their inability to couple to G proteins and mediate cell migration in response to chemokines. However, ACKRs play important roles within the chemokine system by sequestering, transporting or internalizing chemokines, thereby regulating their availability and shaping their gradients.

The last three decades have witnessed the birth and growth of the chemokine field and countless discoveries of the multifaceted involvement of chemokines and their receptors in orchestrating leukocyte trafficking in health and disease, immunity and inflammation, in particular. Notable examples include chemokines driving immune cell trafficking from and into immune organs, the recruitment of leukocytes into the tissues e.g. in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and efficient fighting of microbial pathogens. In addition, the chemokine system also plays a pivotal role in cancer development, growth, and metastatic spread. Moreover, chemokine receptors can serve as entry sites for viruses such as HIV or malarial parasites. Despite the significant progress made in our understanding of this remarkable family of proteins and their receptors relating to myriads of diverse functions, many important questions remain unanswered. Only a deeper understanding of the complexity of the chemokine system and better mapping of the dynamic interplay among its individual members would allow to translate our vast knowledge on chemokines into novel therapeutic interventions in different diseases.

The venue in Les Diablerets is situated in an idyllic landscape within the Swiss mountains, at an altitude of just over 1200 meters (about 4000 feet) surrounded by 3000-meter peaks. In addition to hiking in the nearby mountains, the resort offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. The Chemotactic Cytokines GRCs have traditionally been oversubscribed, so, to ensure your participation, please apply early! We look forward to seeing you in picturesque Les Diablerets in June 2026!