Description
Interleukin-8 (IL-8), also known as CXCL8, GCP-1 and NAP-1, is one of the first discovered chemokines and belongs to the CXCL family, in which the first two conserved cysteines are separated by one residue. In vivo, IL-8 exists in two forms: a 77 a.a. protein produced by endothelial cells, and the more active 72 a.a. protein produced by monocytes. The receptors for IL-8 are the seven-helical G-protein coupled receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2, exclusively expressed on neutrophils. The functions of IL-8 are to induce rapid changes in cell morphology, activate integrins, and release the granule contents of neutrophils. Thus, IL-8 can enhance the antimicrobial actions of defense cells. It is secreted by monocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells. IL-8 signals through CXCR1 and CXCR2 to chemoattract neutrophils, basophils, and T cells. IL-8 is also a potent promoter of angiogenesis. Other functions of this protein, such as involvement in bronchiolitis pathogenesis, have also been reported.