Lymphotactin Human, His

Lymphotactin, also known as chemokine (C motif) ligand 1 (XCL1), is a unique member of the chemokine superfamily. Chemokines are small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells that play a crucial role in immune responses by inducing chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Lymphotactin is particularly notable for its distinctive structure and function within the chemokine family.

Lymphotactin is a member of the C-chemokine subfamily, which is characterized by having only two of the four conserved cysteine residues found in other chemokines. This structural peculiarity distinguishes it from other chemokines and contributes to its unique functional properties. The recombinant form of lymphotactin, tagged with a polyhistidine (His) tag, is often used in research to facilitate purification and detection.

The recombinant human lymphotactin (XCL1) typically consists of 103 amino acids and has a predicted molecular mass of approximately 11.6 kilodaltons. When expressed in systems such as baculovirus-insect cells or Escherichia coli, it is often fused with a polyhistidine tag at the C-terminus to aid in purification and detection .

Lymphotactin plays a significant role in inflammatory and immunological responses. It is known to induce the migration and activation of leukocytes, particularly T cells. Unlike other chemokines, lymphotactin is specifically chemotactic for lymphocytes but does not attract monocytes or neutrophils. This selective chemotactic activity suggests an important regulatory role in lymphocyte trafficking and inflammation .

Lymphotactin exerts its effects by binding to a specific chemokine receptor known as XCR1. This interaction triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to the directed migration of lymphocytes to sites of inflammation or injury .

The recombinant form of lymphotactin, particularly the His-tagged version, is widely used in research to study its structure, function, and interactions with other molecules. The His tag allows for easy purification using affinity chromatography techniques, which is essential for obtaining high-purity protein samples for experimental studies.

Researchers utilize recombinant lymphotactin to investigate its role in various physiological and pathological processes, including immune responses, cancer immunotherapy, and autoimmune diseases. Understanding the mechanisms by which lymphotactin regulates lymphocyte trafficking and activation can provide valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for immune-related disorders .