MCP-1 (MCAF, CCL2) Human Active Protein

This gene is one of several cytokine genes clustered on the q-arm of chromosome 17. Chemokines are a superfamily of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The superfamily is divided into four subfamilies based on the arrangement of N-terminal cysteine residues of the mature peptide. This chemokine is a member of the CC subfamily which is characterized by two adjacent cysteine residues. This cytokine displays chemotactic activity for monocytes and basophils but not for neutrophils or eosinophils. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. It binds to chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR4. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013]

Function: Chemotactic factor that attracts monocytes and basophils but not neutrophils or eosinophils. Augments monocyte anti-tumor activity. Has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or atherosclerosis. May be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the disease process of atherosclerosis.

Subunit structure: Monomer or homodimer; in equilibrium. Binds to CCR2 and CCR4. Is tethered on endothelial cells by glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains of proteoglycans. Ref.20 Ref.22

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Induction: Up-regulated upon hypertonic conditions. Ref.26

Post-translational modification: Processing at the N-terminus can regulate receptor and target cell selectivity. Deletion of the N-terminal residue converts it from an activator of basophil to an eosinophil chemoattractant.

Polymorphism: Genetic variations in CCL2 determine Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility [

MIM:607948].

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