Elevated blood levels of the chemokine CXCL10 polypeptide are associated
with respiratory illnesses (e.g. SARS, influenza and community-acquired
pneumonia) and are useful in diagnosis of patients. Methods are provided
for diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from respiratory
illnesses. Methods are provided for identifying inhibitors of the
CXCL10:CXCR3 axis, for use in treating patients suffering from
respiratory illnesses.