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Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) is a 69 amino
acid residue cytokine matured from an 89 amino acid
precursor protein found only in human. It belongs to the
CC chemokine family, with putative molecular weight of
7.8 KD. Its synonyms are PARC, DC-CK1, AMAC-1, and
MIP-4. CCL18 is produced majorly by antigen-presenting
dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Its production
is regulated by IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL-4, and IL-13.
Recently three receptors have been characterized for
CCL18: PITPNM3, GPR30, and CCR8. CCL18 primarily
regulates recruitment of the adaptive immune system and
attracts lymphocytes including T cells, B cells, and
dendritic cells. It is involved into fibrotic lung diseases,
allergy, autoimmune diseases, breast cancer, and acute
lymphocytic leukemia. |