Abstract: Methods are provided to specifically modulate the activation of monocytes and/or macrophages. Administration of integrin linked kinase (ILK) blocking agents; compounds that otherwise prevent the binding of natural ILK ligands to ILK; or compounds that prevent expression of, or signaling through ILK exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression, at the level of transcription by suppressing the activation of NF-?B. The modulation of activation through ILK is used to regulate immune processes at targeted sites, for example to decrease undesirable inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Methods are provided to specifically modulate the activation of monocytes and/or macrophages. Administration of integrin linked kinase (ILK) blocking agents; compounds that otherwise prevent the binding of natural ILK ligands to ILK; or compounds that prevent expression of, or signaling through ILK exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression, at the level of transcription by suppressing the activation of NF-?B. The modulation of activation through ILK is used to regulate immune processes at targeted sites, for example to decrease undesirable inflammatory responses.

Abstract: Methods are provided to specifically modulate the trafficking of leukocytes that signal through the integrin linked kinase. Agonists or other agents that enhance ILK function increase leukocyte accumulation at a targeted site. In an alternative embodiment, the agent is an antagonist that blocks ILK biological activity and decreases leukocyte accumulation. The methods of the invention manipulate the integrin mediated signaling during trafficking to affect the localization of immune effector cells in targeted tissues.