CCL22

CCL22 or Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as Stimulated T Cell Chemotactic Protein 2 (STCP-2). Chemokines are small (8-10 kDa), chemotactic proteins that function in immune response by directing leukocytes to sites of inflammation or tissue damage. CCL22 is expressed predominantly by macrophages and dendritic cells, and its expression can be induced by interferon-gamma, CD40 ligand, and interleukin-4.

Function

CCL22 is chemotactic for monocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. It is thought to play a role in the trafficking of these cells to sites of inflammation and may also play a role in the homing of lymphocytes to lymphoid tissue.

Clinical significance

CCL22 has been implicated in a number of diseases, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and HIV infection. In the context of HIV, CCL22 has been shown to bind to the CCR4 receptor on T helper cells, which is used by the virus to enter cells. This suggests that CCL22 may play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• Macrophage
• Dendritic cell
• Interferon-gamma
• CD40 ligand
• Interleukin-4
• Monocyte
• Natural killer cell
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Lymphocyte
• Lymphoid tissue
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• HIV
• CCR4
• T helper cell

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