CCL6

CCL6 is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family that is also known as C10. CCL6 is expressed in certain cells of the immune system, and is involved in the immune response by attracting white blood cells to sites of inflammation.

Structure

CCL6 is a small protein, with a molecular weight of approximately 10 kDa. It is composed of 97 amino acids, and has a structure typical of CC chemokines, with a tightly packed three-stranded beta-sheet and a C-terminal alpha-helix.

Function

CCL6 is involved in the immune response by attracting white blood cells, specifically monocytes, to sites of inflammation. It does this by binding to specific receptors on the surface of these cells, known as chemokine receptors. The binding of CCL6 to its receptors triggers a series of intracellular signals that result in the migration of the cells towards the source of the chemokine.

Clinical significance

Due to its role in the immune response, CCL6 has been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases. For example, elevated levels of CCL6 have been found in the synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. In addition, CCL6 has been shown to be involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells in diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

See also

• Chemokine
• Cytokine
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease