Interleukin 8

Interleukin 8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, is a chemokine produced by various cells in the body. It is a member of the CXC chemokine family and plays a significant role in the body's immune response by attracting neutrophils to the site of infection or inflammation.

Structure

IL-8 is a small protein molecule, approximately 8.4 kilodaltons in size. It is composed of 72 amino acids and has a four-cysteine motif that is characteristic of the CXC chemokine family. The molecule has two primary structures: a linear form and a cyclic form, which are interconverted in the body.

Function

IL-8 has several functions in the body. Its primary function is to attract neutrophils to the site of infection or inflammation, where they can destroy invading pathogens. IL-8 also stimulates the phagocytosis of bacteria by neutrophils and promotes the survival and proliferation of these cells. In addition, IL-8 has been shown to induce chemotaxis in target cells, primarily neutrophils but also other granulocytes, causing them to migrate toward the site of infection.

Clinical significance

Abnormal levels of IL-8 have been associated with a number of diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Elevated levels of IL-8 have also been found in the blood and lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis, suggesting a role in the chronic inflammation and recurrent infections seen in this disease.

See also

• Interleukin
• Chemokine
• Neutrophil
• Phagocytosis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cystic fibrosis