Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-2 (MCP-2), also known as CCL8, is a member of the C-C chemokine family. Chemokines are small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells, and they play a crucial role in immune responses by directing the migration of immune cells to sites of inflammation or injury. MCP-2/CCL8 is particularly known for its ability to attract monocytes, a type of white blood cell, to areas where they are needed.
The CCL8 protein is produced as a precursor containing 109 amino acids, which is cleaved to produce the mature CCL8 containing 75 amino acids . The gene for CCL8 is encoded by three exons and is located within a large cluster of CC chemokines on chromosome 17q11.2 in humans . This gene organization is conserved across various species, including canines.
MCP-2/CCL8 is implicated in allergic responses through its ability to activate mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils . It signals through several G protein-coupled receptors, including CCR1, CCR2B, and CCR5 . These receptors are expressed on the surface of various immune cells, and their activation leads to a cascade of intracellular events that result in cell migration and activation.
The ability of MCP-2/CCL8 to attract monocytes and other immune cells makes it a key player in inflammatory diseases. Elevated levels of CCL8 have been observed in conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain infections. Understanding the role of CCL8 in these diseases can help in developing targeted therapies that modulate its activity.
Recombinant CCL8 is produced using genetic engineering techniques where the CCL8 gene is inserted into an expression system, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities. This recombinant protein can be used in research to study its function and in developing potential therapeutic applications.