Recombinant mouse CCL21 protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

CCL21 also known as Exodus 2 or 2H26 is a chemokine with significant roles in the immune system. It is a small protein with a molecular mass of approximately 12 kDa. CCL21 is expressed in high concentrations in secondary lymphoid organs such as the spleen lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. It serves as a chemoattractant particularly for lymphocytes and dendritic cells facilitating their migration towards lymphoid organs.

Biological function summary

CCL21 is essential for guiding immune cells to areas where they are needed for initiating immune responses. It forms a non-covalent complex with its receptor CCR7 a primary mechanism through which it exerts its biological effects. CCL21 coordinates the positioning of immune cells within the lymphoid organs ensuring a functional and effective immune response to pathogens or injuries. Its expression pattern aids in the organization of lymphoid tissue architecture and contributes to efficient trafficking of T-cells and dendritic cells.

Pathways

CCL21 plays an important role in the chemokine signaling pathway and the leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway. Within these pathways CCL21 works closely with its receptor CCR7 to guide immune cell navigation and localization. This collaboration is essential for directing cells to appropriate sites in the immune system aligning CCL21 with similar proteins like CCL19 another chemokine that also interacts with CCR7.

CCL21 is associated with several immune-related conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In rheumatoid arthritis CCL21 contributes to the infiltration and retention of immune cells in the synovial tissue while in chronic lymphocytic leukemia it aids in the homing of malignant cells to lymphoid organs. CCL21's interaction with CCR7 in these diseases highlights its importance not only in immune surveillance but also in the pathology of these disorders.