Open Access

ARTICLE

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 couple plays multiple roles on haematopoietic progenitors at the border between the old cytokine and new chemokine worlds: survival, cell cycling and trafficking

Jean-Jacques Lataillade¹, Jorge Domenech², Marie-Caroline Le Bousse-Kerdilès³

1 Département de Recherche, Centre de Transfusion Sanguine des Armées Jean Julliard, 1 rue Lieutenant Raoul Batany, BP 410, 92141 Clamart Cedex, France
2 Laboratoire d’Hématopoïèse, Inserm-ESPRI-EA3249, Faculté de Médecine, 2bis , boulevard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours Cedex, France
3 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 602, Institut André Lwoff, Hôpital Paul Brousse, 14, avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier, 94807 Villejuif Cedex, France

* Corresponding Author: M.C. Le Bousse-Kerdilès,

European Cytokine Network 2004, 15(3), 177-188.

Abstract

Generation of haematopoietic cells is regulated by cellular and humoral interactions in which stromal cells, adhesion molecules, cytokines and chemokines play a crucial role. Among the chemokines, SDF-1 and its CXCR4 receptor have been reported to be key players in the nesting of haematopoietic progenitors within the bone marrow. Disruption of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis results in cell mobilization and may participate in leukaemia extramedullary infiltration. In this review we will discuss the manifold roles of the SDF-1 chemokine and of its receptor in haematopoiesis regulation. By recruiting quiescent progenitors, by participating in their survival/cycling and by sensitizing them to further cytokine synergistic action, SDF-1 likely contributes to haematopoiesis homeostasis under physiological conditions and in stress situations. The complexity of the SDF-1/CXCR4 interactions in the regulation of haematopoiesis illustrates a dynamic and sequential cross-talk between chemokine and cytokine/growth factor worlds. Because of their pleiotropic effects on haematopoietic progenitor trafficking, survival and proliferation, the SDF-1/CXCR4 couple could be considered as promising molecules for improvement of cell-based therapy protocols in haematopoietic transplantation.

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