Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 5 (CXCL5), alternatively known as epithelial-derived neutrophil-activating peptide 78 (ENA-78), is a small cytokine classified under the CXC chemokine family. Production of CXCL5 is triggered by stimulation of cells with inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Eosinophils have also exhibited the expression of CXCL5. This chemokine exhibits chemotactic activity towards neutrophils and possesses angiogenic characteristics. These effects are mediated through its interaction with the cell surface chemokine receptor CXCR2. The gene responsible for encoding CXCL5 comprises four exons and is situated on human chromosome 4, clustered among several other CXC chemokine genes. Notably, CXCL5 has been implicated in the process of connective tissue remodeling.
The primary function of CXCL5 is to stimulate the chemotaxis of neutrophils. Chemotaxis is the movement of cells towards the site of inflammation or infection. CXCL5 achieves this by interacting with the cell surface chemokine receptor CXCR2 . This interaction not only attracts neutrophils to the site of infection but also activates them, enhancing their ability to combat pathogens .
Additionally, CXCL5 has angiogenic properties, meaning it can promote the formation of new blood vessels. This is particularly important in the context of tissue repair and regeneration .
In mice, the CXCL5 gene is located on chromosome 5 . The expression of CXCL5 has been observed in various tissues, including the liver, trachea, and olfactory epithelium . It is also expressed in eosinophils, another type of white blood cell, and its expression can be inhibited by the type II interferon IFN-γ .
CXCL5 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response and has been implicated in various inflammatory diseases. For instance, it has been associated with conditions such as arthritis and cystitis, where it contributes to the recruitment and activation of neutrophils at the site of inflammation . Moreover, CXCL5 has been found to reduce sensitivity to sunburn pain in some subjects, making it a potential target for understanding pain mechanisms in other inflammatory conditions .
Recombinant CXCL5, such as the mouse recombinant version, is produced using E. coli expression systems. This recombinant protein is often used in research to study its effects on neutrophil chemotaxis and activation. It is typically purified to high levels of purity and is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations .