Macrophage-Derived Chemokine (CCL22), also known as MDC, is a member of the CC 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, infection, and trauma. CCL22 is encoded by the CCL22 gene and is highly conserved across species, including rats and humans.
The CCL22 gene is located on chromosome 16 in humans and encodes a protein that shares 37% identity with CCL17 at the amino acid level . The recombinant rat CCL22 is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 68 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 7.9 kDa . The amino acid sequence of rat CCL22 is as follows: GPYGANVEDS ICCQDYIRHP LPPRFVKEFY WTSKSCRKPG VVLITIKNRD ICADPRMLWV KKILHKLA .
CCL22 is predominantly expressed in macrophages, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and the thymus . It is also detected in tissues such as the lymph nodes and appendix . Upon secretion from monocyte-derived dendritic cells, CCL22 can be proteolytically cleaved into three forms: MDC (3-69), MDC (5-69), and MDC (7-69) .
CCL22 exerts its effects by binding to the CCR4 receptor . It acts as a chemoattractant for monocytes, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, but not for neutrophils, eosinophils, or resting T-lymphocytes . Additionally, CCL22 has been shown to have HIV suppressive activity . The biological activity of recombinant rat CCL22 is confirmed through chemotaxis bioassays using human T-lymphocytes, with effective concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 ng/ml .
Recombinant rat CCL22 is widely used in research to study immune responses, cell signaling, and chemokine-receptor interactions. It is available in lyophilized form and can be reconstituted in sterile distilled water or aqueous buffer containing 0.1% BSA to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml . The protein is stable for up to 12 months when stored at -20 to -70°C and should be handled under sterile conditions to avoid contamination .