Eotaxin was first identified in guinea pigs, where it was purified from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following an allergic challenge with ovalbumin . The protein is composed of approximately 74 amino acids and has a molecular weight of around 8.4 kDa . The recombinant form of rat CCL11 is produced using E. coli expression systems, ensuring high purity and activity .
Eotaxin is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and asthma . It binds to the CCR3 receptor on the surface of eosinophils, triggering their migration to the site of inflammation . Unlike other chemokines, eotaxin is highly specific for eosinophils and does not attract monocytes or neutrophils .
Eotaxin is implicated in various allergic conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis . Elevated levels of eotaxin are often found in the tissues and blood of individuals with these conditions. Additionally, recent research has highlighted its role in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Increased levels of eotaxin have been associated with cognitive impairments and accelerated brain aging .