The invention discloses newly identified cyclic AMP response element activator proteins (CREAP proteins). It is contemplated herein that said proteins are suitable drug targets for the development of new therapeutics to prevent, treat or ameliorate pathological conditions related to abnormal activation of CRE-dependent gene expression or abnormal activation of chemokines. The invention relates to methods to prevent, treat or ameliorate said pathological conditions and pharmaceutical compositions therefor comprising modulators with inhibitory effect on CREAP protein activity and/or CREAP gene expression. The invention also relates to methods to identify compounds with therapeutic usefulness to treat said pathological conditions, comprising identifying compounds that can inhibit CREAP protein activity and/or CREAP gene expression.