Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 5 (CXCL5), alternatively known as epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78), is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family. Production of CXCL5 is triggered by stimulation of cells with inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Eosinophils have also been observed to express CXCL5, and this expression can be inhibited by type II IFN. This chemokine demonstrates chemotactic activity towards neutrophils and exhibits angiogenic properties. These effects are mediated through its interaction with the cell surface chemokine receptor CXCR2. The gene encoding CXCL5 consists of four exons and is situated on human chromosome 4, clustered among several other CXC chemokine genes. CXCL5 has been implicated in the process of connective tissue remodeling.
CXCL5 is a proinflammatory chemokine with a molecular weight of approximately 8 kDa . It is characterized by the presence of a Glu-Leu-Arg (ELR) motif, which confers angiogenic properties . This motif distinguishes it from other CXC chemokines that are angiostatic .
The protein is produced in response to stimulation by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) . It plays a crucial role in the chemotaxis of neutrophils, which are essential for the body’s immune response . CXCL5 interacts with the CXCR2 receptor on the surface of neutrophils to elicit its effects .
CXCL5 has been implicated in several biological processes, including:
Clinically, CXCL5 has been studied for its role in reducing sensitivity to sunburn pain and its potential as a target for understanding pain in other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and cystitis .
Recombinant human CXCL5 is produced using E. coli expression systems . It is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations, with the carrier protein typically being Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) . The recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including studies on chemotaxis and inflammation .