CCL24 is a signaling molecule within the body’s biological communication network. It acts as a messenger, influencing various cellular activities. Understanding CCL24 offers insight into how the body manages its internal environment and responds to challenges.
Understanding CCL24
CCL24, also known as eotaxin-2, is a small protein belonging to the CC chemokine family. Chemokines are a group of signaling proteins that guide cell movement, particularly immune cells, to specific locations. The CCL24 gene, responsible for encoding this protein, is located on human chromosome 7.
CCL24 exerts its effects by binding to a protein on the surface of target cells called C-C chemokine receptor type 3, or CCR3. This interaction is selective, as CCL24 exclusively activates CCR3 among other chemokine receptors. Various cells produce CCL24, including activated immune cells, such as M2-like macrophages, and epithelial cells. Once bound to CCR3, CCL24 triggers internal signals within the cell, influencing its behavior and function.
CCL24’s Actions in the Body
CCL24 functions as a chemical beacon, directing immune cell migration to specific sites. It is a chemoattractant, drawing eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, to specific areas. This protein also attracts other immune cells like basophils, monocytes, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes, though its effect on neutrophils is less pronounced, and it has no chemotactic activity on activated lymphocytes.
The recruitment of these immune cells is part of the body’s defense mechanisms. For instance, in allergic responses, CCL24 helps gather eosinophils for the reaction. Similarly, during parasitic infections, CCL24 contributes to the immune response by facilitating immune cell movement against these invaders. These actions highlight CCL24’s role in orchestrating cellular traffic for immune surveillance and response.
CCL24’s Link to Health Conditions
When CCL24 levels or activity become imbalanced, it can contribute to various health conditions. Elevated levels of CCL24 are observed in individuals with inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. For example, increased CCL24 is associated with asthma and other allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis. In these instances, excessive CCL24 can lead to increased immune cell recruitment, exacerbating inflammation in the airways.
CCL24 is also implicated in fibrotic conditions, which involve the formation of scar tissue. Higher levels of CCL24 and its receptor CCR3 are found in tissues and blood of patients with conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In these diseases, CCL24 promotes the activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, cells that produce connective tissue, contributing to the progression of fibrosis in organs like the liver, heart, and lungs. CCL24 has been linked to certain types of cancer, including colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma, where it can influence tumor growth and spread.
Research into Modulating CCL24
Researchers are investigating CCL24 due to its involvement in various diseases, exploring its potential as a biomarker. Elevated serum CCL24 levels can indicate disease activity or progression in conditions like systemic sclerosis, promising for monitoring disease severity. Tracking CCL24 levels can help assess disease progression or treatment response.
The interaction between CCL24 and its CCR3 receptor also makes it a target for developing new treatments. Scientists are working on therapies that aim to neutralize CCL24 or block its interaction with CCR3 to reduce inflammation and fibrosis. For example, a humanized monoclonal antibody named CM-101 is undergoing clinical trials to evaluate effectiveness in treating fibrotic and inflammatory diseases by binding to and blocking CCL24 activity. This ongoing research aims to create more targeted interventions for conditions where CCL24 plays a detrimental role.