Inflammatory cell recruitment to injured tissues is needed for repair, but an excessive inflammatory response can exacerbate injury. Tibor Kempf et al. now identify the cytokine GDF-15 as a new anti-inflammatory factor that dampens leukocyte recruitment in the setting of myocardial infarction in mice, thereby preventing cardiac rupture. GDF-15 blocks leukocyte extravasation from the blood into injured tissue by inhibiting the activation of cell surface integrin receptors.
- Tibor Kempf
- Alexander Zarbock
- Kai C Wollert
