XCL2

XCL2 is a chemokine protein that in humans is encoded by the XCL2 gene. It is a member of the chemokine family, a group of small (approximately 8 to 14 kDa), mostly basic, structurally related molecules that regulate cell trafficking of various types of leukocytes through interactions with a subset of 7-transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptors.

Function

The XCL2 gene is one of two separate genes that encode identical proteins which are associated with the chemokine XC receptor. Chemokines are a superfamily of secreted proteins involved in immunoregulation and inflammation. The XC chemokines are a subset of the chemokine family, characterized by having only two of the four conserved cysteine residues. The two XC chemokines described to date are unique among chemokines in having a three-amino acid motif (the UNY motif) immediately downstream of the CXC motif.

Clinical significance

The XCL2 gene has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. It is thought to play a role in the immune response and may be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

See also

• Chemokine
• Leukocyte
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Immunoregulation
• Inflammation
• Cancer
• Autoimmune disease
• Infectious disease