Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. It plays a crucial role in the immune system by recruiting monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to sites of inflammation caused by tissue injury or infection .
The CCL2 gene is located on chromosome 17 (17q11.2-q21.1) in humans and spans 1,927 bases. It consists of three exons and two introns . The protein precursor contains a signal peptide of 23 amino acids, and the mature CCL2 protein is 76 amino acids long, with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 11.025 kilodaltons (kDa) .
CCL2 is primarily secreted by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It is also expressed in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in response to various stimulants such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein . The expression of CCL2 is tightly regulated by cellular mechanisms and is upregulated during monocyte differentiation into macrophages .
CCL2 exhibits chemotactic activity for monocytes and basophils but does not attract neutrophils or eosinophils . It binds to chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR4, which mediate its effects . CCL2 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis . It also augments monocyte anti-tumor activity and is essential for the formation of granulomas .
Recombinant human CCL2 is produced using E. coli expression systems. The recombinant protein is typically purified to a high degree of purity (>97%) and is available in both carrier-free and carrier-containing formulations . The carrier protein, usually Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), enhances protein stability and shelf-life . Recombinant CCL2 is used in various research applications, including cell culture and as an ELISA standard .
CCL2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and atherosclerosis . Its role in recruiting monocytes to sites of inflammation makes it a potential therapeutic target for modulating immune responses in these conditions. Additionally, CCL2’s involvement in tumor immunity suggests its potential use in cancer immunotherapy .