CCL20

CCL20 or Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as liver activation regulated chemokine (LARC), macrophage inflammatory protein-3 (MIP3A), and Exodus-1. CCL20 is thought to play a role in the immune response by attracting leukocytes to the site of inflammation.

Function

CCL20 is expressed in the liver, lungs, lymph nodes and peripheral blood leukocytes. It is strongly upregulated by inflammatory signals, and downregulated by the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10.

CCL20 attracts certain cells of the immune system, including dendritic cells, effector/memory T-cells and B cells. It is thought to play a role in the development of lymphoid tissue by attracting these cells to the site of inflammation.

Clinical significance

CCL20 has been implicated in a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also thought to play a role in the progression of certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer