This gene is one of several Cys-Cys (CC) cytokine genes clustered on the q arm of chromosome 16. 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, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and for chronically activated T lymphocytes. It also displays a mild activity for primary activated T lymphocytes and has no chemoattractant activity for neutrophils, eosinophils and resting T lymphocytes. The product of this gene binds to chemokine receptor CCR4. This chemokine may play a role in the trafficking of activated T lymphocytes to inflammatory sites and other aspects of activated T lymphocyte physiology. [provided by RefSeq].
Function:
May play a role in the trafficking of activated/effector T-lymphocytes to inflammatory sites and other aspects of activated T-lymphocyte physiology. Chemotactic for monocytes, dendritic cells and natural killer cells. Mild chemoattractant for primary activated T-lymphocytes and a potent chemoattractant for chronically activated T-lymphocytes but has no chemoattractant activity for neutrophils, eosinophils, and resting T-lymphocytes. Binds to CCR4. Processed forms MDC(3-69), MDC(5-69) and MDC(7-69) seem not be active.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted.
Tissue Specificity:
Highly expressed in macrophage and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and thymus. Also found in lymph node, appendix, activated monocytes, resting and activated macrophages. Lower expression in lung and spleen. Very weak expression in small intestine. In lymph node expressed in a mature subset of Langerhans' cells (CD1a+ and CD83+). Expressed in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis but not in dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. Expressed in atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis skin, and psoriasis, in both the epidermis and dermis.
Post-translational modifications:
The N-terminal processed forms MDC(3-69), MDC(5-69) and MDC(7-69) are produced by proteolytic cleavage after secretion from monocyte derived dendrocytes.
Similarity:
Belongs to the intercrine beta (chemokine CC) family.
SWISS:
O00626
Gene ID:
6367
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 6367 Human
Omim: 602957 Human
SwissProt: O00626 Human
Unigene: 534347 Human
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