CCL12

CCL12 is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as monocyte chemotactic protein 5 (MCP-5). CCL12 is secreted by macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. It attracts immune cells, such as monocytes, T cells, and basophils, to sites of tissue injury and infection.

Structure

CCL12 is a small protein of 76 amino acids. It is characterized by four conserved cysteine residues, which form two disulfide bonds. The first and third cysteine residues are linked, as are the second and fourth. This structure is typical of the CC chemokine family.

Function

CCL12 is a potent chemoattractant for leukocytes, attracting monocytes, T cells, and basophils but not neutrophils. It is involved in the recruitment of immune cells to sites of tissue injury and infection. CCL12 also stimulates the production and secretion of other cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha, from monocytes.

Clinical significance

CCL12 has been implicated in several inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. It is also involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cancer. In cancer, CCL12 can promote tumor growth and metastasis by attracting tumor-associated macrophages.

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• Monocyte
• T cell
• Basophil
• Macrophage
• Dendritic cell
• Mast cell
• Eosinophil
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis
• Atherosclerosis
• Cancer

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