Recombinant Mouse Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3 alpha

Supplementary information

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

Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3 alpha (MIP-3 alpha) also known as CCL20 is a chemokine with a molecular mass of approximately 9 kDa. It plays a role in immune response by mediating chemotaxis of lymphocytes and dendritic cells. MIP-3 alpha is mainly expressed in liver lung and lymphoid organs including the lymph nodes and appendix. Its expression can be induced during inflammation in response to signaling molecules like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β).

Biological function summary

MIP-3 alpha contributes to the immune system by recruiting immune cells to sites of inflammation or injury. It is not part of a larger protein complex. Its main function is binding to the CCR6 receptor on target cells. This interaction mediates the migration and activation of the immune cells critical for initiating the immune response by increasing cell surface adhesion and motility. By drawing immune cells MIP-3 alpha significantly influences the body's capacity to fight infections and regulate inflammatory processes.

Pathways

MIP-3 alpha is integral to the inflammatory response and chemokine signaling pathways. It is involved in the immune system's adaptive response through its interaction with CCR6. This pathway overlaps with other chemokines such as MIP-1 and MIP-2 which also aid in immune cell recruitment. Furthermore MIP-3 alpha’s engagement in these pathways facilitates intercellular communication during immune responses pivotal for maintaining homeostasis and immune surveillance.

MIP-3 alpha has associations with inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. During these conditions elevated levels of MIP-3 alpha contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells which exacerbate symptoms. MIP-3 alpha also connects with other proteins such as TNF-alpha in these disease contexts enhancing inflammation and progression of these disorders. Targeting MIP-3 alpha and its associated pathways may provide therapeutic opportunities for alleviating these chronic inflammatory conditions.