This gene is one of several Cys-Cys (CC) cytokine genes clustered on the q-arm of chromosome 17. Cytokines are a family of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The CC cytokines are proteins characterized by two adjacent cysteines. The cytokine encoded by this gene displays chemotactic activity for monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils, but not neutrophils. This chemokine plays a role in accumulation of leukocytes during inflammation. It may also be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during artherosclerosis. [provided by RefSeq].
Function:
Chemotactic factor that attracts monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils and eosinophils, but not neutrophils. Signals through CCR2B and CCR3 receptors. Plays a role in the accumulation of leukocytes at both sides of allergic and non-allergic inflammation. May be involved in the recruitment of monocytes into the arterial wall during the disease process of atherosclerosis. May play a role in the monocyte attraction in tissues chronically exposed to exogenous pathogens.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted.
Tissue Specificity:
Widely expressed. Found in small intestine, thymus, colon, lung, trachea, stomach and lymph node. Low levels seen in the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.
Post-translational modifications:
One major form (form long), and two minor forms (short chain and medium chain) are produced by differential signal peptide cleavage. The medium chain is about 30-fold less active than the long chain.
Similarity:
Belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family.
SWISS:
Q99616
Gene ID:
6357
Database links:
Clone ID: BC008621 Human
Entrez Gene: 6357 Human
IMAGE Id: 4184250 Human
Omim: 601391 Human
SwissProt: Q99616 Human
Unigene: 414629 Human
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