What does leukotaxin primarily facilitate?

Leukotaxin primarily facilitates the margination of leukocytes, which is an essential step in the inflammatory response. When tissue becomes injured or infected, leukotaxin is released, guiding white blood cells (leukocytes) to the site of injury. This process is critical because it allows leukocytes to adhere to the interior walls of blood vessels near the affected area, preparing them for migration into the tissues where they can address infection or tissue damage.

This margination process is vital for effective immune response, as it ensures that leukocytes are effectively localized to the area needing defense or repair. The role of leukotaxin in promoting this process underscores its importance in inflammation and healing. By understanding this function, one can appreciate how the body orchestrates a response to injury and infection.