Mucosae-Associated Epithelial Chemokine (CCL28), also known as mucosae-associated epithelial chemokine (MEC), is a member of the CC chemokine family. This chemokine is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues of various mucosal sites, including the large and small intestines, bronchi, mammary glands, and salivary glands . CCL28 plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity by attracting IgA-secreting plasma cells (IgA-ASC) to mucosal surfaces .
CCL28 is a small, cationic polypeptide with two to three intramolecular disulfide bonds . It signals via the chemokine receptors CCR3 and CCR10, which are expressed on IgA-secreting plasma cells . The chemokine is known for its dual roles in mucosal immunity: as a chemoattractant for cells expressing CCR10 and/or CCR3 and as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial protein .
CCL28 is selectively expressed in certain mucosal tissues such as exocrine glands, trachea, and colon . It is highly expressed in salivary glands, where it is secreted into saliva and milk . The expression of CCL28 is regulated by various factors, including microbial infections and inflammatory cytokines .
CCL28 plays a pivotal role in mucosal immunity by recruiting IgA-secreting plasma cells to mucosal surfaces . These plasma cells produce IgA antibodies, which are essential for the immune defense of mucosal surfaces. CCL28 also exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including Candida albicans, Gram-negative bacteria, and Gram-positive bacteria .
The recombinant form of CCL28 (Rat Recombinant) is used in various research applications to study its role in mucosal immunity and its potential therapeutic applications . Research has shown that CCL28 can modulate immunity in HIV infection by recruiting IgA-secreting plasma cells to mucosal surfaces . This makes CCL28 a potential candidate for inclusion in mucosal vaccines to prevent infections .