CTACK is an 88 amino acid protein that shares 57% sequence identity with its mouse and rat counterparts . It is characterized by the presence of two adjacent cysteines, a hallmark of the CC chemokine family . The protein is chemotactic, meaning it can attract cells, specifically targeting skin-associated memory T lymphocytes . This function is crucial for mediating the homing of lymphocytes to cutaneous sites, playing a significant role in T cell-mediated inflammation in the skin .
Recombinant human CCL27/CTACK is typically produced in E. coli and is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations . The carrier protein, often bovine serum albumin (BSA), enhances protein stability and shelf-life . The carrier-free version is recommended for applications where the presence of BSA could interfere with experimental outcomes .
The bioactivity of recombinant CCL27/CTACK is measured by its ability to chemoattract BaF3 mouse pro-B cells transfected with human CCR10, with an effective dose (ED50) ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 µg/mL . This property makes it valuable for research in immunology, particularly in studies focusing on skin-related immune responses and T cell behavior.