MGSSHHHHHH SSGLVPRGSH MILPIASSCC TEVSHHISRR LLERVNMCRI QRADGDCDLA AVILHVKRRR ICVSPHNHTV KQWMKVQAAK KNGKGNVCHR KKHHGKRNSN RAHQGKHETY GHKTPY.
Mucosae-Associated Epithelial Chemokine (CCL28), also known as MEC, is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is involved in the chemotaxis of cells that express the chemokine receptors CCR3 and CCR10 . CCL28 is produced by columnar epithelial cells within various tissues, including the gut, lung, breast, and salivary glands .
CCL28 is known for its ability to recruit IgA-secreting plasma cells (IgA-ASC) to the mucosal lamina propria (MLP) . This recruitment is essential for maintaining mucosal immunity, as IgA is a critical antibody in mucosal surfaces. CCL28 binds to CCR3 and CCR10, which are expressed on IgA-ASC, facilitating their migration to mucosal sites .
Research has shown that CCL28 modulates immunity in HIV infection. It has been observed that CCL28 levels are augmented in the breast milk, plasma, and saliva of HIV-infected and exposed individuals . This increase in CCL28 is associated with longer survival in HIV vertically-infected children and a significant increase in gastrointestinal mucosal IgA-ASC in VSV-immunized mice receiving CCL28 .
The human recombinant form of CCL28, tagged with a His (histidine) tag, is used in research to study its function and potential therapeutic applications. The His tag allows for easy purification and detection of the recombinant protein, facilitating various experimental procedures.