CCL2

CCL2, also known as Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 (MCP-1), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. CCL2 recruits monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells to the sites of inflammation produced by either tissue injury or infection.

Structure

CCL2 is a monomeric polypeptide, with a molecular weight of approximately 13 kDa. The protein shares approximately 22-62% amino acid sequence homology with other CC chemokines.

Function

CCL2 is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. It is also known to be a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 by binding to the cellular protein, CCR5, which is the major co-receptor for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV-1.

Clinical significance

CCL2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by monocytic infiltrates, like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. It is also known to be a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 by binding to CCR5, which is the major co-receptor for macrophage-tropic strains of HIV-1.

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• Monocyte
• T cell
• Dendritic cell
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Atherosclerosis
• HIV-1
• CCR5