MCP1 Human, HEK

Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as Monocyte Chemotactic and Activating Factor (MCAF) or C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family . It plays a crucial role in the immune system by recruiting monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to sites of inflammation produced by either tissue injury or infection . MCP-1 is predominantly secreted by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells .

CCL2 is a monomeric polypeptide with a molecular weight of approximately 13-15 kDa, depending on levels of glycosylation . It is anchored in the plasma membrane of endothelial cells by glycosaminoglycan side chains of proteoglycans . The primary function of CCL2 is to exhibit chemotactic activity for monocytes and basophils, although it does not attract neutrophils or eosinophils . CCL2 also augments monocyte anti-tumor activity and is essential for the formation of granulomas .

In the human genome, the CCL2 gene is located on chromosome 17 (17q11.2-q21.1) and spans 1,927 bases . The gene has three exons and two introns, and the protein precursor contains a signal peptide of 23 amino acids . The mature CCL2 is 76 amino acids long .

CCL2 signals predominantly through the CCR2 receptor . It is expressed by various cell types and attracts not only monocytes and tissue macrophages but also T cells and NK cells to sites of inflammation . Besides chemotaxis, CCL2 is involved in further pro-inflammatory activities such as cell activation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis .

Human recombinant MCP-1 (CCL2) produced in HEK cells is optimized for use in cell culture, differentiation studies, and functional assays . It is used in various applications, including chemotactic assays and inflammation studies .