Chemokines

Key Biological Properties: CCL6 is a potent chemokine involved in the recruitment and activation of immune cells. It is highly expressed in bone marrow cultures stimulated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and can also be induced in the mouse lung by interleukin 13 (IL-13) .

Expression Patterns: CCL6 expression is observed in neutrophils, macrophages, and certain myeloid cell lines. It is significantly induced in bone marrow cultures and can be greatly reduced in activated T cell lines .

Tissue Distribution: CCL6 is predominantly found in bone marrow, lung, and certain myeloid cell lines. Its expression is highly regulated and can be induced under specific conditions .

Primary Biological Functions: CCL6 plays a crucial role in the immune system by recruiting and activating various immune cells. It is involved in the modulation of resident peritoneal cell activation and the recruitment of interferon-producing natural killer (NK) cells and killer dendritic cells .

Role in Immune Responses: CCL6 enhances antimicrobial immunity during experimental sepsis and attenuates immune failure by promoting a protective type 1-cytokine mediated mechanism .

Pathogen Recognition: CCL6 is involved in the recognition and response to pathogens by recruiting immune cells to the site of infection and enhancing the immune response .

Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: CCL6 interacts with the chemokine receptor CCR1, which plays a critical role in its signaling pathways. This interaction is essential for the recruitment and activation of immune cells .

Binding Partners: CCL6 binds to CCR1, which is a key receptor involved in its signaling cascade. This binding is crucial for the chemokine’s function in immune cell recruitment and activation .

Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to CCR1, CCL6 activates various downstream signaling pathways that lead to the production of other chemokines and proteases, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), and cathepsins .

Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of CCL6 is regulated by various transcription factors, including c-Myc and L-Myc. These transcription factors can either upregulate or downregulate CCL6 expression depending on the cellular context .

Post-Translational Modifications: CCL6 undergoes various post-translational modifications that can affect its stability, localization, and activity. These modifications are crucial for the proper functioning of the chemokine .

Biomedical Research: CCL6 is used in various research studies to understand its role in immune responses and its potential as a therapeutic target. It is also used in studies related to inflammation and tissue remodeling .

Diagnostic Tools: CCL6 can be used as a biomarker for certain inflammatory conditions and immune responses. Its expression levels can provide insights into the state of the immune system .

Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting CCL6 and its receptor CCR1 has potential therapeutic applications in treating inflammatory diseases and enhancing immune responses. This approach can help modulate the immune system and improve patient outcomes .

Development: CCL6 plays a role in the development of the immune system by regulating the differentiation and activation of immune cells. It is involved in the maturation of neutrophils and macrophages .

Aging: The expression and activity of CCL6 can change with age, affecting the immune system’s ability to respond to infections and inflammation. Understanding these changes can provide insights into age-related immune dysfunction .

Disease: CCL6 is involved in various diseases, including inflammatory conditions, infections, and cancer. Its role in these diseases is linked to its ability to modulate immune responses and tissue remodeling .