MCP-4 Human Active Protein

This antimicrobial gene is one of several Cys-Cys (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 displays chemotactic activity for monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils, but not neutrophils. This chemokine plays a role in accumulation of leukocytes during inflammation. It may also be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during artherosclerosis. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2014]

CCL13: Chemotactic factor that attracts monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils, but not neutrophils. Signals through CCR2B and CCR3 receptors. Plays a role in the accumulation of leukocytes at both sides of allergic and non-allergic inflammation. May be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the disease process of atherosclerosis. May play a role in the monocyte attraction in tissues chronically exposed to exogenous pathogens. By IL1/interleukin-1 and TNF. Widely expressed. Found in small intestine, thymus, colon, lung, trachea, stomach and lymph node. Low levels seen in the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family.

Protein type: Secreted; Chemokine; Secreted, signal peptide; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 17q11.2

Cellular Component: extracellular space

Molecular Function: chemokine activity; receptor binding

Biological Process: cellular calcium ion homeostasis; regulation of cell shape; cell-cell signaling; eosinophil chemotaxis; cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis; immune response; inflammatory response; chemotaxis; signal transduction