Chemokines

Key Biological Properties: Eotaxins are small cytokines involved in the selective recruitment of eosinophils. They are implicated in allergic responses and are known to bind to the CCR3 receptor .

Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Eotaxins are expressed in various tissues, including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Their expression is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, particularly in allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis .

Primary Biological Functions: The primary function of eotaxins is to recruit eosinophils to sites of inflammation. This recruitment is essential for the immune response against parasitic infections and in allergic reactions .

Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Eotaxins play a significant role in the immune response by facilitating the migration of eosinophils to areas where they can combat pathogens. They are also involved in the recognition and response to allergens .

Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Eotaxins exert their effects by binding to the CCR3 receptor on eosinophils. This binding triggers a series of intracellular signaling cascades that lead to eosinophil activation and migration .

Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to CCR3, eotaxins activate G protein-coupled receptors, which in turn initiate signaling pathways involving calcium mobilization and actin polymerization. These pathways ultimately result in eosinophil chemotaxis and adhesion to endothelial cells .

Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: The expression of eotaxins is regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 can upregulate eotaxin expression. Post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, can also influence eotaxin activity .

Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Eotaxin genes are regulated by transcription factors such as NF-κB and STAT6. Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, can modulate the stability and activity of eotaxins .

Biomedical Research: Eotaxins are valuable in studying allergic diseases and eosinophil-related disorders. They serve as biomarkers for disease severity and progression .

Diagnostic Tools: Elevated levels of eotaxins in biological fluids can be used as diagnostic markers for allergic conditions and other inflammatory diseases .

Therapeutic Strategies: Targeting eotaxin signaling pathways holds potential for developing therapies for allergic diseases and conditions characterized by eosinophilic inflammation .

Role Throughout the Life Cycle: Eotaxins are involved in various stages of life, from development to aging. They play a role in tissue remodeling during development and contribute to age-related changes in immune function .

From Development to Aging and Disease: During development, eotaxins are involved in the maturation and migration of eosinophils. In aging, elevated levels of eotaxins are associated with cognitive decline and neuroinflammation .