Advances in the study of the role of chemokines in drug addiction and the potential effects of traditional Chinese medicines

Drug abuse significantly affects the neuroimmune system, which in turn contributes to the development of addiction. Chemokines, the critical components of neuroimmune factors, mediate many brain functions, including neuroinflammation, neuronal activity, and endocrine function. Extensive abnormalities in chemokines have been found in models of drug addiction; however, the underlying mechanisms and treatment efficacy remain unclear. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are increasingly recognized and applied in immune regulation and drug addiction. This review highlights the recent advances in our understanding of chemokine changes associated with exposure to drugs of abuse, including cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamine. We provide a brief overview of what is known about the role of chemokines in brain function and addiction and the TCMs that could be applied in chemokine regulation.