CCL20 is expressed in various tissues, including the liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood lymphocytes . Its expression is strongly upregulated by inflammatory signals and downregulated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 . This regulation ensures that CCL20 is produced in response to inflammation, aiding in the recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection or injury.
CCL20 exerts its effects by binding to the G protein-coupled receptor CCR6 . This interaction is crucial for the chemoattraction of lymphocytes and dendritic cells towards epithelial cells, particularly in mucosal tissues . The protein is strongly chemotactic for lymphocytes and weakly attracts neutrophils . It is also involved in the formation and function of mucosal lymphoid tissues, which are essential for the body’s immune defense .
Recombinant human CCL20 is a non-glycosylated protein consisting of 70 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 8.0 kDa . The recombinant form is often tagged with a His (histidine) tag to facilitate purification and detection in research applications. This form is widely used in scientific studies to understand the protein’s function and its role in various biological processes.
Recombinant CCL20 is primarily used for research purposes, including studies on immune response, inflammation, and cell signaling. It is not intended for human, animal, or diagnostic applications . Researchers utilize this protein to investigate its role in attracting immune cells and its potential therapeutic applications in treating inflammatory diseases.