Using the glossary links at the bottom of the article, it seems that chemokines regulate the immune system response to the location of the lesion, and perhaps direct the different types of glial cells to clean up or target cells in the area.
So, if the chemokines are actually causing the cell death of some of the neurons, or somehow affecting the way the lesion is 'healed', perhaps the authors mean that being able to control or suppress the activity of the chemokines could minimize the damage to the nerve cells.
That is what it looks like to me, but I am just an artist; so maybe someone who has medical training could elucidate further? At least you could start by dissecting this message!
(good to see you back, Ian)