RANTES (CCL5) Active Protein

This gene is one of several CC cytokine genes clustered on the q-arm of chromosome 17. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines. The cytokine encoded by this gene functions as a chemoattractant for blood monocytes, memory T helper cells and eosinophils. It causes the release of histamine from basophils and activates eosinophils. This cytokine is one of the major HIV-suppressive factors produced by CD8+ cells. It functions as one of the natural ligands for the chemokine receptor CCR5 and it suppresses in vitro replication of the R5 strains of HIV-1, which use CCR5 as a coreceptor. [provided by RefSeq]

Function: Chemoattractant for blood monocytes, memory T-helper cells and eosinophils. Causes the release of histamine from basophils and activates eosinophils. Binds to CCR1, CCR3, CCR4 and CCR5. One of the major HIV-suppressive factors produced by CD8+ T-cells. Recombinant RANTES protein induces a dose-dependent inhibition of different strains of HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The processed form RANTES(3-68) acts as a natural chemotaxis inhibitor and is a more potent inhibitor of HIV-1-infection. The second processed form RANTES(4-68) exhibits reduced chemotactic and HIV-suppressive activity compared with RANTES(1-68) and RANTES(3-68) and is generated by an unidentified enzyme associated with monocytes and neutrophils. Ref.3 Ref.8 Ref.10 Ref.11 Ref.12

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Tissue specificity: T-cell and macrophage specific.

Induction: By mitogens.

Post-translational modification: N-terminal processed form RANTES(3-68) is produced by proteolytic cleavage, probably by DPP4, after secretion from peripheral blood leukocytes and cultured sarcoma cells.The identity of the O-linked saccharides at Ser-27 and Ser-28 are not reported in Ref.8. They are assigned by similarity.

Polymorphism: The variant Phe-24 is an antagonist of the chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR3.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family.

Mass spectrometry: Molecular mass is 7515±1 Da from positions 27 - 91. Determined by SELDI. Ref.12Molecular mass is 7862.8±1.1 Da from positions 24 - 91. Determined by ESI. Ref.8Molecular mass is 8355±10 Da from positions 24 - 91. Determined by ESI. O-glycosylated. Ref.8