Description
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-3 (MIP-3α), also known as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) or liver activation regulated chemokine (LARC), is a small cytokine belonging to the CC chemokine family. MIP-3α is expressed in the liver, lymph nodes, appendix, PBL and lung and can signal through the CCR6 receptor. It is strongly chemotactic for lymphocytes and weakly attracts neutrophils. MIP-3α is implicated in the formation and function of mucosal lymphoid tissues via chemoattraction of lymphocytes and dendritic cells toward the epithelial cells surrounding these tissues. Additionally, it promotes the adhesion of memory CD4+ T cells and inhibits colony formation of bone marrow myeloid immature progenitors.